Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

101 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in County Sligo and County Leitrim in the years 1997 to 2001 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30517/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Employment figures for 2001, which are based on the results of the Forfás annual employment survey, are not yet available. This annual survey gives details by region and county of all jobs created and lost in IDA and Enterprise Ireland assisted companies.

The following tables 1 and 2 show the jobs created and lost in IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland supported companies in counties Sligo and Leitrim in the years from 1997 to 2000 inclusive. Jobs created in CEB supported companies are shown in table 3.

Table 1.

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland Employment Data for Sligo

Employment Data	1997	1998	1999	2000
Permanent
Employment	4,108	4,236	4,417	4,475
Jobs Created	299	350	272	308
Job Losses	120	222	91	250

Table 2.

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland Employment Data for Leitrim

Employment Data	1997	1998	1999	2000
Permanent
Employment	1,350	1,316	1,339	1,308
Jobs Created	322	94	162	89
Job Losses	171	128	139	120

Table 3.

County Enterprise Board Jobs Created in Sligo and Leitrim

County	1997	1998	1999	2000
Leitrim	58	54	65	110
Sligo	74	107	40	74

Over the past two years IDA Ireland has radically changed its policies with the aim of delivering half of all new greenfield jobs into the Border, mid lands and west, BMW, region which includes Sligo and Leitrim.

In an effort to ensure that this objective will be achieved, IDA Ireland re-organised its internal structures and recently transferred additional posts to Athlone, which will comprise staff from regions, property, and healthcare divisions bringing the staff complement up to 30. In addition posts are being transferred to Sligo comprising staff from international services and consumer products divisions bringing the staff complement up to 15. The purpose of these moves is to develop these centres as magnets for growth for these regions.

IDA Ireland's incentive package is also strongly geared in favour of the BMW region which is in line with the new EU State aid limits. Greater focus is put on marketing of the regions for specific sectors and improvement of marketing material for the regions.

On the industrial property front, the Finisklin Business Park in Sligo Town has been extended and plans are well advanced for new lands in Sligo. IDA is also currently marketing two vacant properties in Sligo. In Carrick on Shannon a new advance facility is nearing completion and consultants are being retained to bring the estate in the town up to business park standards.

Enterprise Ireland has also focused its efforts in the BMW region. The agency works strongly with the higher education authorities within the regions and co-funds ongoing applied research and development with private companies. It plays an active role in building up the centres of excellence/innovation centres at the various colleges. In this regard, the Institute of Technology, Sligo, with its new business innovation centre supported by Enterprise Ireland, and St Angela's third level college, must be viewed as major infrastructural support to drive innovative capability within the county and the wider region.

Enterprise Ireland also helps SMEs in the regions to overcome technical barriers to growth by supporting them in the employment of local graduates. The agency works closely with the county enterprise boards who have an extensive network throughout the BMW region and have developed a specific expertise in supporting new micro enterprise formation, with very positive results to date in Sligo and Leitrim area. In addition, the FÁS training centre in Sligo has 500 trainees and specialises in training tool-making apprentices, plastic injection moulding and general engineering operatives.

Improved access is crucial in establishing both indigenous and overseas investment to the regions and in this context the importance of improved road and air access cannot be over-emphasised. This has been recognised in the National Development Plan 2000-2006, which includes plans to bring our roads, railway and air services up to a standard consistent with a modern economy within the next six years. Availability of high-quality telecommunications and energy supplies are also essential. Both Enterprise and IDA Ireland are keeping in close contact with relevant infrastructure providers to ensure that they are aware of the agencies priorities.