Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
250. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will establish a task force to secure replacement use for an empty facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18569/14]
View answerI consider that it is not practicable or effective to establish jobs task forces or specific jobs plans around the country as a general mechanism to address high unemployment. I believe that to embark on such a course would involve diverting the various State Agencies from their on-going efforts to create jobs. A considerable administrative commitment is involved in servicing any additional committees and groups which may be set up and, given the constrained staff resources facing all public sector bodies at present, I am strongly of the opinion that establishing such additional groups, except in very exceptional circumstances, would not be in the best interests of using the State’s resources effectively.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that the property mentioned by the Deputy is not in the ownership of the Agency. The Agency has assured me that it will continue to promote and market all available land and buildings in Co. Kerry including its own 12 acre Business and Technology Park at Tiernaboul, Killarney and Kerry Technology Park in Tralee to overseas clients wishing to invest in Co. Kerry.
At present, there are 12 IDA Ireland client companies in Kerry employing 1,638 people. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with all these companies and works closely with them to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites. The primary opportunity for regional locations is in respect of the existing client base and potential further investment opportunities from same. Approximately 70% of all FDI investments won by IDA Ireland is from the existing client base. When marketing Kerry for new inward investment IDA Ireland particularly focuses on the ICT (incl. software), International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors.
