Written Answers - Job Creation.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:
204
Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
if she will visit the south Kerry area to meet relevant groups to discuss the employment situation in the county; if she has plans to visit County Kerry for any purpose in the immediate future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[5350/03]
The issue of job creation is a day-to-day operational issue for the industrial development agencies under the remit of my Department and not one, in which I, as Minister, have direct involvement. These agencies are continuing their efforts towards the development of indigenous industry and in the attraction of inward investment.
IDA is actively promoting Kerry as a potential location to overseas investors. The agency has commenced site development works on its business and technology park at Tiernaboul in Killarney to enhance the attractiveness of the town as a location for inward investment. This site development work will result in the upgrading of the overall appeal of the location. In addition, the Kerry advance factory group has commenced building work on an advance unit, BES factory, in the estate. This 24,000 sq. ft. advance technology building will be completed in mid 2003 and will further add to the attractiveness of the estate by providing an alternative property solution for potential investors.
Enterprise Ireland's remit includes indigenous companies in south Kerry. The continued upward trend in employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies, which commenced in 1996, was maintained in 2002 with a net increase of 44, thus giving an overall gain in full time permanent jobs for the area. These gains were spread across a number of sectors, including international services, industrial products and food-consumer products.
The agency continues to work with such companies to assist them to grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets. In 2002, Enterprise Ireland approved over €1.9 million investment support to client companies in south Kerry, leading to company investments of circa €2.8 million and approved a capital grant of €183,487 towards the expansion of the Killarney technology centre under its community enterprise centre, CEC, programme. The agency is currently working with community development groups in south Kerry to assist them in preparing applications in response to the current call for submissions under the CEC programme 2002, the deadline for which is 25 April 2003.
During 2002, the Kerry County Enterprise Board, CEB, offered support to 47 business projects. Future CEB project investment will have the capacity to create an additional 75 jobs spread throughout the county, 44 of which will be in the south and west Kerry area. The board also plans to provide funding for two projects in Killarney and Kenmare for the creation of technology and investment units. In addition, the board will continue to provide advisory, training and other support services benefiting a further 367 existing and potential entrepreneurs.
I would bring to the Deputy's attention that the implementation of the national spatial strategy, NSS, has the potential to create the necessary linkages to enable the region to be internationally competitive. The physical networks of infrastructure such as roads, public transport, energy and communications are at the core of the NSS. Improvements in these networks in terms of time and cost will reduce the perceived disadvantage of distance.
I am confident that my Department through its agencies is working to address the employment needs of south Kerry and in promoting the area for suitable investment projects in the future. I am always happy to meet with business leaders public representatives and other relevant groups, commitments permitting, when I am in the Kerry area.
