Support for job creation and investment is a matter for the industrial development agencies. Under the Industrial Development Acts, I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland but I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In terms of attracting foreign direct investment to west Dublin, IDA Ireland has had considerable success over the years. This year I announced an expansion of both the Xilinx and Colgate Palmolive facilities at Citywest Business Campus which will create over 500 new jobs in the next five years. Takeda Chemical Industries major new investment in Ireland will complete construction this year at Grangecastle, Clondalkin and will employ over 60 people upon completion. Wyeth Biopharma, which employs 900 highly skilled people at its facility in Grangecastle, has been granted government assistance for major investment which will create 1,300 jobs and will be in full production later this year.
Enterprise Ireland is focused on the retention in existing companies and creation of new jobs in the area. Since 2002 the agency has approved almost €11 million and paid over €9.5 million in support of companies in south County Dublin, which includes the Dublin Mid-West constituency. The agency also works closely with the Institute of Technology in Tallaght in encouraging the commercialisation of research. It has supported the development of a business incubation space at the college to the amount of €2.54 million. This facility, when completed, will generate quality start-up enterprises. Enterprise Ireland has supported the development of community based enterprise centres in Bawnogue and Neilstown, Brookfield, Bolbrook, Killinarden and Main Road Tallaght, all of which are contributing to job creation in new microenterprises.
The South Dublin County Enterprise Board is one of the State agencies responsible for the economic development in the south County Dublin, including the Mid-West constituency. Since its inception, the board has approved just over €7.6 million to businesses based in this area. These grants and other financial supports have assisted in the creation and maintenance of 870 jobs.
I am satisfied that the strategies and policies being pursued by development agencies are producing real and sustainable results for the people of west Dublin in additional investments and jobs. I am confident that this will continue to be the case in the future.