Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
330 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which he can visit Ballyshannon in County Donegal to discuss a strategy to create employment in the region in view of the significant numbers of job losses, in particular the closure of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3431/05]
View answerThe announcement by the company that it is to close its Donegal Parian facility is disappointing and particularly devastating for the workers and families directly affected. The role of FÁS, the State training agency, will be particularly important in assisting those who are to lose their jobs. FÁS will make its full range of services available to the workforce, including advice and training opportunities.
On 2 December last, I visited north Donegal and met a number of groups and companies. I undertook this visit in recognition of the relatively difficult employment position in Donegal. It is also my intention, in the very near future, to visit south Donegal, including Ballyshannon, and meet local interest groups to discuss the employment position.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing all areas of Donegal for new investment and jobs and has invested significant moneys in developing a business park to international standards in Letterkenny. In Ballyshannon IDA Ireland has obtained planning permission for a new facility and a significant amount of site development work has been recently completed. Also in Ballyshannon, Enterprise Ireland has recently partnered with the local community development company, Erne Enterprise, to develop new high quality enterprise space. Enterprise Ireland is providing €300,000 in support to this new 10,000 sq. ft. enterprise centre. I assure the Deputy that tackling the difficulties in Donegal is a particular priority for me and I have reiterated this point to the State development agencies operating in Donegal.
331 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering taking action that would lead to employment opportunities for north Cork, particularly Mitchelstown and Mallow, in view of recent job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3432/05]
View answerThe issue of job creation is a day-to-day operational matter for the industrial development agencies and relevant county enterprise boards and not one in which I have a direct role. IDA Ireland informs me that it is actively marketing north Cork as a potential location for new foreign direct investment, FDI, through its network of local and overseas offices to secure new investment and additional jobs for the region, including the towns of Mitchelstown and Mallow. Specifically, IDA Ireland has been marketing a new business expansion scheme supported building in Mitchelstown of 2,072 sq. m., with the vacant advance factory in Mallow. However, it is important to bear in mind that ultimately decisions regarding where to locate a project are taken by the overseas investors.
Enterprise Ireland works with companies in its portfolio in north Cork to assist them increase their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets. The agency is encouraging companies to adopt new technologies to add value to their products and services. In 2004 Enterprise Ireland invested more than €9 million in its client companies in County Cork, of which €1.53 million was for client companies in the region, including Mitchelstown and Mallow. This investment was primarily to support new business employment, research and development, capital investment and staff training.
Enterprise Ireland is also actively involved with the provision of infrastructure to facilitate business development and employment in the region. In 2003 it approved a capital grant of €200,000 for a food enterprise centre on the industrial estate in Michelstown under its community enterprise centre 2002 scheme. I understand the project is at planning stage.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland supports the development of business incubation workspace as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering links between colleges and industry. In this regard, Enterprise Ireland has provided support of €2.54 million for incubation facilities in Cork Institute of Technology and €750,000 at University College Cork bio-transfer unit to develop an incubation centre specifically for food biotechnology start-up companies.
The Cork North County Enterprise Board, CEB, provides a range of supports for existing and potential entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding their business. In the recent past the board has conducted 270 one-to-one consultations with clients from the Mitchelstown and Mallow region. In addition, following a joint initiative by Cork County Council, Cork North CEB and Mitchelstown Credit Union, four small advance industrial units are being provided at a cost of €350,000 to facilitate the emergence of new small businesses in the town. From 1993 to date the CEB has paid more than €2 million in grant aid to 178 projects and assisted in the creation of 374 full-time jobs in the north Cork district.
I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Cork County Enterprise Board will bear fruit in terms of delivering the maximum possible level of additional jobs for north Cork, including the towns of Mitchelstown and Mallow.
