Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010
107 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts she is making to import new industries to County Donegal in view of the high unemployment figures there and in an effort to employ persons that have already lost their jobs or persons seeking employment for the first time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4993/10]
View answer156 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts that are being made by her to import new industries to County Donegal in view of the high unemployment figures there in an effort to employ persons who have already lost their jobs or persons who are seeking employment for the first time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4875/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 156 together.
IDA Ireland is actively encouraging new investment in Donegal in knowledge-based industries. This is part of a focused strategy to replace the traditional clothing and textile industries that have been declining in the North West Region in recent years. During the last 5 years IDA-supported companies in Donegal have created over 663 new jobs.
There are presently 12 IDA Ireland-supported companies in Donegal, trading internationally and employing 1,683 Full Time and 128 Part Time people in Software Development, Systems Development and the Medical Technology industry. Donegal's industry base is transforming from the clothing and textile industry to high tech, high skill activity. Companies such as Pramerica and UnitedHealth, which have located in Donegal are continuously growing and recruiting.
The agency's emphasis is to build up an international and financial services cluster and is making strides in delivering on this, evidenced by the existing quality of the companies and the announcement of an expansion of 123 jobs by SITA INC. In addition IDA is actively promoting Donegal as a successful location for high-end manufacturing mainly to companies in the medical technologies sector. This is proving successful with projects from Medisize and Zeus Industrial Products Inc. who have opened a European Operations Centre for the production and distribution of precision medical tubing products.
Another primary focus for IDA in Donegal is the designated linked Gateway of Letterkenny/Derry and significant investment has also been undertaken in developing property solutions through the provision of a Business and Technology Park along with three advance buildings in Letterkenny.
This focus involves developing stronger economic links with Invest Northern Ireland, which includes initiatives like the North West Business & Technology Zone. This is aimed at promoting the linked Gateway of Letterkenny/Derry in line with the objectives of the NSS 2002 — 2020 and the NI Regional Development Strategy 2025.
The delivery of physical, social and economic infrastructure is key to securing inward investment and IDA Ireland continues to be engaged in identifying and prioritizing investment in these areas in association with local partners.
EI is also focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports for high potential start up companies including, financial supports, business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development etc. Eight HPSUs were created in Donegal since 2005. EI approved grant payments of some €5.3M in 2009 to companies. 14 Donegal companies have been approved for €2.2M under the Employment Subsidy Scheme with a further 5 companies being approved for €1.75m under the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund.
