Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

94 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of advanced factories or business units in County Leitrim which have received support from her in each of the years from 1997 to 2001 and to 31 January 2002; and the contribution Enterprise Ireland, Forfás and IDA Ireland have made to the overall development of the county in the years 1997 to 2002. [6365/02]

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

Government policy as operated by the national development agencies, specifically Forfás, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, has been to encourage the growth of manufacturing and internationally traded services and to do so in a balanced way with regard to the regional spread of activity. This strategy is based on developing the competitiveness and capability of indigenous industry, and enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for international investment. Moving up the value chain and developing Ireland as a centre for knowledge-based activities are key features of the strategy. Regional development objectives are an integral part of the strategy moving forward.

There has been substantial growth in employment in manufacturing and internationally traded services in County Leitrim over the period 1997-2001, as shown below:

Numbers Employed*	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Permanent	1,350	1,316	1,339	1,345	1,654
Part-Time/Temporary/Short-Term Contract	95	165	121	93	117
Total	1,445	1,481	1,460	1,438	1,771

* Source Forfás

The figures represent an increase of 22.5% over the period 1997-2001. This compares with an increase nationally of only 17.6% over this period. In addition, new job creation has been relatively high in County Leitrim over the same period, as shown below:

New Jobs Created*	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Permanent Jobs	322	94	162	129	394

* Source Forfás

The figures represent an increase in 2001 of 22.3% over the year 1997, while the national figures for the same period show a fall of 3%. Figures for January 2002 are not available.

IDA Ireland's contribution to the overall development in the county comprises site identification, site disposal, infrastructural provision and facilitation of construction of advance factories at a range of locations including Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore and Rooskey. Enterprise Ireland's contribution comprises enterprise space development, most particularly in the community enterprise centres in Mohill, Manorhamilton and Carrick-on-Shannon, and the facilitation of industrial land purchase with a view to creating more enterprise space.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 91.