Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
169 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the proposed enterprise centre (details supplied) in Athy, County Kildare; if the necessary funding has been designated for the project; if there have been delays in regard to such funding; the number of potential jobs projected in regard to the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31743/04]
View answerThe administration of the community enterprise centre scheme is a day to day matter for Enterprise Ireland and not one in which I am directly involved. The Athy community enterprise centre has been approved funding under the 2002 community enterprise centre scheme, it is under construction at Woodstock Industrial Estate and will be completed during December 2004. The project is an initiative of the Athy investment development and employment forum, which was established to identify and act on the needs of Athy for enterprise, job creation and infrastructural developments.
The centre consists of a 12,500 sq. ft. facility, 20 commercial units, meeting rooms, offices etc. Employment at the centre, when it is fully operational, will number 40. There is scope to develop a second phase of 8,000 sq. ft. when required. The project has been approved €300,000 in capital support by Enterprise Ireland under the community enterprise support scheme 2002 as well as an additional €38,000 towards the cost of a centre manager for an initial two-year period. Kildare County Enterprise Board has approved €127,000 funding; Kildare County Council has approved €135,000 over three years; and Athy Town Council's contribution is €105,000 over three years.
The community is committed to raise €75,000 by way of local contribution. Bank borrowings constitute the balance. All the State funding has been allocated and a substantial amount has been drawn down by stage payments. Enterprise Ireland is not aware of any significant delays that have occurred since construction commenced. There was an initial delay of approximately one year in the project concerning the finalisation of the location of the centre. Alternative options were considered, a site had to be located, the site acquired, planning permission sought etc. The site has been acquired from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland understands that the IDA has instructed its solicitor to make arrangements for the closing of the sale.
The Athy community enterprise centre aims to become a one-stop-shop for existing businesses that wish to grow their operation; a resource for potential entrepreneurs; and a business-friendly location where tenants can operate in a safe, clean and modern premises with full supporting facilities. The centre is also anxious to make part of the premises available for agencies that operate to promote and develop Athy. Enterprise Ireland is available to discuss the status of the project with any of the partners concerned.
