Vol. 577 No. 5
47 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals by the industrial development agencies to attract inward investment or to assist in the creation of jobs throughout County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31855/03]
IDA Ireland continues to promote County Monaghan for foreign direct investment, including Monaghan town which has been designated a hub under the national spatial strategy. This is in line with the Government commitment to help regional towns to build scale and create opportunities which will increase their attractiveness for investment.
Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to develop further the food and furniture sectors in County Monaghan. The agency is actively promoting the Lough Egish food park as a location for food companies in the region. In 2003 to date, Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of over €2.1 million to assist the development of 24 companies in County Monaghan, including €0.87 million for research and development in food, furniture and engineering companies. The agency has also approved funding for community enterprise centres in Castleblaney, Ballybay, Monaghan town, Lough Egish and Emyvale.
From January 2000 to date, the Monaghan County Enterprise Board has approved financial support of €1.4 million for 118 projects resulting in the creation of 80 jobs. The board, in partnership with Monaghan County enterprise fund and Armagh City and District Council, have established the Armagh – Monaghan digital corridor to attract inward investment-indigenous industries into the corridor.
