Written Answers - Foreign Direct Investment.
Paul Kehoe
Question:
103
Mr. Kehoe
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
her plans to visit Wexford in the near future; if her attention has been drawn to any industry coming to Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[9163/03]
Promotion of Ireland and its regions as a location for foreign direct investment is an operational matter for IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland has developed an integrated marketing strategy for County Wexford with the objective of increasing the level of inward investment. The strategy includes a focused sectoral and geographical approach for new greenfield business, coupled with an added value focus for the existing base of overseas industry in the county. It will also include a comprehensive upgrading of IDA Ireland owned land in the county and the provision of new modern facilities to cater for the emerging sectors.
IDA Ireland will work towards addressing the various impediments to new inward investment identified in the Wexford Initiative committee report, namely, support infrastructure, particularly telecommunications, and skills availability.
Wexford was recently named as a hub town under the national spatial strategy. As a hub, Wexford has an important spatial role in establishing a "triangle of strength" based around Waterford as a gateway and Kilkenny as the other hub. This area will, in time, substantially strengthen and energise the south east and ensure that Wexford plays a full part in the Government's objective for balanced regional development.
IDA Ireland is currently developing a comprehensive land and buildings programme for the 70 acre IDA Business Park at Drinagh on the Rosslare Road. This will include the incorporation of a 20 acre office park which will specifically cater for the new emerging internationally traded sectors currently being targeted for the town. Planning permission has been sought for the construction of an advanced technology building on the park.
PFPC, a financial services company, which commenced operation in early 2002 on the Drinagh Business Park, is continuing to expand. IDA Ireland will continue to actively promote the 42,500 square foot advance facility at Whitemill Industrial Estate for potential investment.
In New Ross, IDA Ireland has upgraded the ten acre site at Butlersland to business class standard. Construction of a 20,000 square foot high quality advance manufacturing facility has recently been completed and is being actively promoted for overseas investment. IDA Ireland is also promoting the 80,000 square foot available space in the Hartmann facility in conjunction with the owners.
In Enniscorthy, IDA will upgrade the five acre IDA industrial site on the Dublin Road to business park standard, to facilitate the construction of a 20,000 sq.ft. office-factory by the private sector. A local community based group has been awarded a BES certificate by IDA Ireland to construct the advance factory and planning permission has been applied for.
I am confident the measures outlined which are currently being adopted by IDA Ireland, as well as the continuing commitment of the Government to enterprise development will bring positive results to the county.
