Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
477. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the main strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats in relation to job retention and creation in County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the high live register figures in the county and the mass exodus of young persons from the county in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35476/13]
View answerThe Enterprise Development Agencies have been to the fore in delivering on the commitments set out in an Action Plan for Jobs. An Action Plan for Jobs 2013 will build on the success of the 2012 Action Plan. It includes 333 actions for delivery across all Government Departments and 46 Agencies or Offices. The Plan contains a range of policy actions to assist the development of indigenous enterprise. Employment retention and creation continues to be our primary objective in 2013. I am confident that the structure that we have created will deliver the type of actions needed to support the transition in our economy to sustainable growth.
Enterprise Ireland’s activity in County Kerry is focussed primarily on the development of companies' export potential and in the creation of new jobs; through supporting entrepreneurs to set up new High Potential Start-Up Companies; on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies through support of company development and export plans. Enterprise Ireland also supports Research and Development in companies, and through collaboration with relevant Third Level institutions at a national, regional and county level. In County Kerry, this is primarily delivered in collaboration with Institute of Technology Tralee. Funding of up to €3 million for the Institute of Technology Tralee was announced this year by Enterprise Ireland. The funding includes €1.4 million for Shannon ABC (Applied Biotechnology Centre), an industry focussed Research, Development and Innovation Centre that is a collaborative response from the IT Tralee and Limerick IT to the needs of business.
Enterprise Ireland works with approximately 125 client companies employing in excess of 3,500 in County Kerry. Enterprise Ireland has a number of supports and initiatives in place to assist these companies', depending on their stage of development. In relation to the development of a strong pipeline of high potential start-ups, Enterprise Ireland has the New Frontiers Programme, Ireland’s national entrepreneurial development programme, in IT Tralee which commenced in June 2013 with 10 participants. The purpose of Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets and companies in County Kerry have been very successful in securing funding of €50,000 from the Fund.
In encouraging foreign direct investment to County Kerry, IDA Ireland promotes the county as part of the South West Region. IDA also endorses and supports the initiatives driven under the “Succeed in Ireland” agenda which engages key stakeholders in the regions regarding opportunities for investment. IDA Ireland continues to compete for high quality investments at the higher end of the value chain. At the end of 2012, there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in County Kerry with total employment of circa 1,600 people.
The Kerry County Enterprise Board (CEB) provides a source of support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, promotes and develops indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulates economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level through both financial and non-financial assistance to project promoters. Job creation and retention are inherent considerations in the Board’s activities as it continues to engage and work with potential businesses on an ongoing basis with strong referral to sister agencies. In 2012, the Board paid out €253,502 to 39 project promoters and 871 people participated in the Board’s Training Programmes.
