Written Answers Nos. 65 - 84
65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans and the plans of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland for further job creation in either counties Cavan or Monaghan in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23012/17]
View answerThe Government’s approach towards job creation in Cavan and Monaghan is guided by the North East/North West Regional Action Plan. This plan aims to support the creation of 28,000 new jobs across both regions by 2020. Progress is also being made towards this goal, with 5,600 more people in employment across the region since the start of 2015.
Regional development remains a key priority of mine and I am determined to help drive job creation all over Ireland. I am aware, in particular, of the need to create jobs in border areas and I regularly engage with stakeholders from Cavan and Monaghan to discuss how best to achieve our investment targets. Last month I visited Monaghan where, along with the enterprise agencies, I met with elected representatives and the County Council to further examine enterprise and employment opportunities in the area. This included an update on the on-going work to develop a master plan of IDA owned lands in Knockaconny. I expect this work to be finalised within the coming weeks.
Enterprise Ireland supports approximately 303 companies in Cavan and Monaghan, which collectively employ 10,389 people. In 2015, the Agency made payments of €6,058,747 to companies in these counties. This was primarily to support new business employment, R&D, capital investment and staff training. EI’s strategy for 2017-2020 aims to create a further 60,000 jobs.
Progress has also been made by IDA towards achieving its target of increasing FDI in the region by 30% to 40% by 2019. There are currently 12 IDA supported companies in Cavan and Monaghan. I understand that the existing client base has performed well to date and is sustaining a total of 1,340 IDA supported jobs.
66. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied with the level of funding allocated to the programme for research in third level institutions in 2017; and the amount of funding that has been ring-fenced for research and frontier research in 2017. [22961/17]
View answerThe Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) has provided funding for top-class research infrastructure and human capital development across Ireland’s Higher Education Institutes in key strategic areas including bioscience, medical technologies, energy, social sciences and humanities, and ICT to name but a few.
Since the PRTLI started in 1998, there have been 5 Cycles of investment to date totalling €1.2 billion of combined Exchequer and private investment. Cycle 5, awarded in 2010, involves over €287m in direct Exchequer funding. Cycle 5 is now coming to a close with 29 of the 33 projects fully completed. As the outstanding bill to Higher Education Institutes has been reducing, the allocation to the PRTLI in my Department’s Vote has also reduced. My Department’s allocation to the PRTLI in 2017 is €14.4m. This is being used towards meeting the remaining Cycle 5 liabilities.
In addition to the PRTLI allocation, my Department is also allocating €162.5 million to Science Foundation Ireland in 2017 to fund oriented basic and applied research. SFI does not predetermine or “ring fence” specific funding allocation for basic or applied research. Funding decisions are made through international peer review on the basis of research excellence and impact.
My Department and its agencies are important funders of research, with spending on R&D of €394m in 2016. This accounts for approximately half of total Government investment in R&D. Other Departments invested €367m in R&D in 2016 including funding programmes that encompass all disciplines and all types of research.
Action 3.8 of Innovation 2020, Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology, provides for a new programme to fund Frontier Research. On 6 April 2017, both myself and Minister Bruton launched the Irish Research Council’s Frontier Research (LAUREATE) Programme, with initial funding of €2.5 million.
67. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a site (details supplied) in County Kildare; the progress made to date by the IDA in attracting new business to the area; her plans for the site if the buildings formerly occupied by a company cannot be filled by a suitable employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23034/17]
View answerThe decision by HP Inc to close its facility in Leixlip is regrettable. However, I understand that no redundancies have yet been made and that the company's operations at the site are continuing. IDA Ireland has nevertheless already promoted the site to existing clients and potential investors and will continue to do so in the time ahead. I am hopeful that a new investor will be identified in due course and that new employment opportunities will in turn be created for the people of Leixlip and the surrounding area.
While HP Inc's decision is very disappointing, there are over 20 other multinational companies in Kildare that employ 10,139 people in total across a broad range of sectors. IDA Ireland continues to work with its client base in the region to both sustain and grow employment further with the aim of increasing job creation by 30%-40% over the lifetime of the Agency's current strategy.
68. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts she is making to bring more jobs to County Longford and the midlands in view of the recent closure of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23015/17]
View answerFirstly, I recognise the impact that the recently announced closure by Longford Architectural Metalworks can have on a town like Longford and my thoughts are with the workers and their families affected by this announcement.
The Midlands Regional Action Plans for Jobs, which covers Longford, Laois, Westmeath and Offaly, is aimed at maximising the strengths and assets of the region, to support enterprise growth and job creation.
We are seeing good progress: 7,600 jobs have been created across these counties from the start of 2015 to end 2016. The region is well on the way to achieving the Plan’s target of an additional 14,200 jobs by 2020.
The unemployment rate in the region has fallen from 12.5% in early 2015 to 7.9.0% at end 2016. This is just over 1% higher than the then national rate of 6.7%, now at 6.2%.
In County Longford, live register numbers have fallen by over 34% over the past 4 years.
The Enterprise Agencies are working hard to drive job creation in Longford.
Enterprise Ireland companies currently support 2,800 jobs in Longford.
Total employment among LEO Longford clients was 1,061 at the end of 2016 and Longford is home to 4 existing IDA Ireland clients who between them employ over 660 people.
Last June, I announced €5m in competitive funding for 48 local initiatives under two Regional Competitive Calls. Eight projects in the Midlands were successful in securing funding: four of these are partnerships involving LEO Longford, aimed at benefitting and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
My Department and Enterprise Ireland are now finalising plans for a further regional funding initiative of up to €60m to support collaborative approaches to grow jobs across the regions.
69. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to review Enterprise 2025 with respect to forecasts outlined for employment and export levels, in view of the fact it was published in November 2015 in advance of the June 2016 Brexit referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22959/17]
View answerEnterprise 2025 sets a roadmap for longer term enterprise development. Its development was informed by global drivers of change including globalisation, demographic, geo-political volatility and technological advances. The Action Plan for Jobs 2017 which I lead across Government and was published earlier this year sets ambitious targets and actions to be delivered as part of Enterprise 2025.
I have commenced a Review of Enterprise 2025 to ensure that our policy framework and priorities are robust and remain current in the uncertain environment
Our vision for Ireland is to be the best place to succeed in business, delivering sustainable full employment and higher standards of living for all. Enterprise 2025 sets out actions that focus on building competitive advantage, ensuring a supportive business environment and attracting further investment. It seeks to realise a significant uplift in the performance of enterprises in terms of innovation, export potential and productivity. The potential set out in Enterprise 2025 for employment, exports, productivity and growth is ambitious, and even more so in today’s environment.
In March this year, I and my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade brought to Government and published our new trade and investment strategy, 'Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World'. The critical importance of intensifying our well-established markets in the UK and the US and diversifying into other global markets is at the heart of our Strategy. Targets for Enterprise Ireland include that 80% of export growth be in markets outside the UK, exports to the Eurozone be increased by 50% and a target of 60% growth in food and drink exports in Asia, North America and Africa.
My review will be informed by potential future growth scenarios and my objective to complete later this year is to determine the extent to which the policy priorities set out are robust and to adjust as necessary. The fundamentals of our enterprise policy are likely to remain valid, although this timely review will help to identify additional actions that may now be needed.
70. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which she will support SMEs to prepare for the impact of Brexit; if recent statistics show that those impacts are now under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22953/17]
View answerMy Department and its agencies are fully engaged in preparing for Brexit. Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ was launched in March. The Scorecard is an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit.
A recent survey of SMEs commissioned by my Department on Brexit impacts, and published on my Department’s website, indicated that 49% of companies had experienced no impact on their business from Brexit, and a further 15% had experienced minimal impact. However, when asked to look forward over the next 18 months the percentage expecting no Brexit impact drops to 26%, with 17% expecting a significant impact.
EI has introduced a ‘Be Prepared Grant’ which offers up to €5,000 for exporting client companies to conduct further research and use external expertise to develop a Brexit Action Plan.
The Local Enterprise Office and Inter Trade Ireland are offering a range of Brexit focused supports to companies, including those engaged in cross-border trade with Northern Ireland.
Based on significant analysis and stakeholder consultation my Department is currently working on further measures targeted at identified needs of companies around working capital and business development.
71. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to establish mini-business development centres in rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23035/17]
View answerMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland and the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country provide a range of supports to help companies start, grow and export.
Since the launch of the first Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) scheme in 1989, €64 million has been approved via Enterprise Ireland for the development of CECs across the country. CECs provide business space for budding entrepreneurs and serve to help the development of entrepreneurship locally in urban and rural locations. These centres collectively employ 6,051 people across 1,214 companies.
As part of the Government’s regional growth agenda, a €5m Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme was launched in 2015. In June 2016, I announced that 32 applications were successful and these projects amounted to €3.06m.
Furthermore, a €3m competitive Regional Accelerator Scheme was launched by Enterprise Ireland in 2016 and is being rolled out this year. Accelerators are for-profit organisations that provide startups with a small amount of initial startup seed capital (approx. €20,000) and access to substantial programme benefits and often office space in return for a small amount of equity investment.
To further support collaborative and innovative approaches to boost enterprise and job creation throughout the country, I will shortly be launching a €60 million Competitive Regional Fund. This will be administered by Enterprise Ireland.
72. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to reverse the continual fall in business competitiveness levels and make Ireland an attractive location for businesses to locate, particularly Ireland's competitiveness standing with the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22958/17]
View answerIreland's improved competitiveness has been central to employment growth. In 2016, Ireland moved from 16th to seventh in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Brexit means we must do more to enhance our attractiveness as a location to start, locate and grow a business.
The National Competitiveness Council has undertaken a benchmarking exercise comparing Irish and UK competitiveness. I share the Council’s view that Brexit means we must continue to further improve competitiveness.
As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, my focus is on ensuring Ireland enhances its competitiveness as a place to locate and run a business.
Through the Action Plan for Jobs 2017, this Government is working to improve the ease and cost of doing business. We are working to have all government transactions with business online by the end of the year, and to introduce a 'Think Small First' rule for new proposals. We are focusing on reducing the costs of insurance and increasing housing supply. We have introduced the Knowledge Development Box and reduced the rate of Capital Gains Tax to 10%. We are providing increased support for enterprise innovation and productivity growth, in particular through expanded LEAN programmes. We are putting more people on the ground in foreign markets through IDA to attract investment. Through increased resources for EI we are supporting Irish businesses that export to the UK to diversify. I will be working with my colleague Ministers to ensure the review of the Capital Plan gives sufficient priority to key competitiveness issues.
Competitiveness is key to success in international markets and helping businesses to improve their competitiveness will remain a key focus for my Department.
73. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the publication date for the planned framework for town centre renewal; if it will incorporate an action plan to support town centre renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22480/17]
View answerI launched the Framework for Town Centre Renewal in Sligo on 25th April. The publication of the Framework represents a key deliverable for the Retail Consultation Forum, which I chair, under the Action Plan for Jobs 2017.
The Framework will play an important part in the work to rejuvenate and revitalise towns and villages around the country. It will be a key support document for towns and villages applying for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme launched recently by my colleague Minister Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The Framework includes an Action Plan for Town Centre Renewal which is intended to be a blueprint for towns and villages, guiding them through the three stages of town centre renewal: stakeholder engagement, carrying out a town centre health check and preparing a Town Centre Plan. The Framework includes a number of case studies which provide practical examples of best practice from a number of towns and villages around the country.
Through the Framework for Town Centre Renewal and the recently launched Village Renewal Scheme, my Department and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are collectively supporting local Authorities, local businesses and local communities to adopt town centre management best practices and identify projects which will have a positive economic impact on their towns and villages.
74. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to create new jobs in County Roscommon. [22660/17]
View answerThe West Regional Action Plan for Jobs, which covers Roscommon, Galway and Mayo, is aimed at maximising the strengths and assets of the region, to support enterprise growth and job creation.
We are seeing progress: 11,400 jobs have been created across these counties from the start of 2015 to end 2016. In Roscommon County, live register numbers have been falling - by 30% over the past 4 years.
The region is well on the way to achieving the Plan’s target of an additional 25,000 jobs by 2020.
The Enterprise Agencies are working hard to drive job creation in Roscommon. Companies currently supported by Enterprise Ireland employ 1,688 people in the county; total employment among LEO Roscommon clients was 704 at the end of last year and there are in Roscommon 10 IDA Ireland clients who between them employ almost 985 people.
Last June, I announced €5m in competitive funding for 48 local initiatives under two Regional Competitive Calls. There were 11 projects in the West who succeeded in securing funding: 5 of these are partnerships involving organisations in Roscommon, aimed at benefitting and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
My Department and Enterprise Ireland are now finalising plans for a further regional funding initiative of up to €60m to support collaborative approaches to grow jobs across the regions.
75. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to recommend an increase in the minimum wage in budget 2018 in view of the prevalence of low pay and lower than expected tax takes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23029/17]
View answerThere is no evidence to suggest that there is a link between lower than expected tax receipts and low pay in new jobs. It is also notable that the proportion of employees reporting earnings at or below the national minimum wage has dropped very substantially, from 11.4% to 8.6%.
The Low Pay Commission was established in 2015 to examine and make recommendations annually on the national minimum wage. The aim is to ensure that the national minimum wage is adjusted incrementally over time having regard to changes in earnings, productivity, overall competitiveness and the likely impact on employment and unemployment levels.
The Commission made its first recommendation in July 2015 when it recommended that the rate be increased to €9.15 per hour. That increase came into effect on 1st January 2016. The Commission’s second recommendation that the rate increase to €9.25 per hour was made in July 2016. It was subsequently accepted by Government and came into effect on 1st January last.
The Commission is currently working on its next recommendation and will report to me on the matter in July. Any recommendation the Commission makes will then be considered by Government in the context of Budget 2018.
The Programme for Partnership Government provides that the Government will rely on the annual recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. Relying on an independent body such as the Low Pay Commission is the most appropriate approach to achieving the right balance and yearly adjustment to the national minimum wage levels.
76. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of publishing a heads of Bill to enhance the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board as the Minister responsible for this recommendation in the cost of motor insurance report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22962/17]
View answerOne of the recommendations in the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance published on 10 January 2017 by the Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan T.D., and the Minister of State for Financial Services, Mr Eoghan Murphy T.D. is to publish Heads of a Bill to enhance the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
In June 2014, a public consultation was held on the operation and implementation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts, 2003 and 2007, with a view to identifying any areas relating to the scope, powers or operation of the legislation which might require change. The 2003 Act had been in force for over eleven years and it was considered timely to take stock of how the legislation is operating in practice.
Twenty nine submissions were received from a range of interests including Government Departments and agencies; industry, insurance and legal interests; and individuals. The Department has been examining these submissions with a view to identifying whether there are areas which might require change. The General Scheme of the Bill is now being prepared and it will have regard to the relevant recommendations of the Report of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. I intend to seek Government approval for the drafting of a Bill by the end of the second quarter of this year. The review will seek to strengthen the legislation to encourage more claims to be finalized through the Board.
77. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce grant aid for the development of enterprise centres by local statutory agencies or community organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23038/17]
View answerSince the launch of the first Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) scheme in 1989, €64 million has been approved for the development of CECs across the country. Since 1989, 157 centres have been approved for financial support - of which 117 have been completed. These centres collectively employ 6,051 people across 1,214 companies.
Most recently, a €5m Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme was launched in June 2015. 118 applications were considered with a total value of €12.3m. There was strong demand for the funding and the process was highly competitive. In June 2016, I announced that 32 applications were successful and these projects amounted to €3.06m.
I will shortly be launching a €60 million Competitive Regional Fund across 2017 - 2020 to further support collaborative approaches to boost enterprise and job creation throughout the country.
CECs will be eligible to apply for this competitive funding. However, I am conscious that the sustainability of the CEC’s is an on-going issue. Therefore proposals for any funding will need to demonstrate that self-sustainability is a key objective.
78. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the review of the Connect Ireland initiative; the provisions she has made for financial liability the State may face; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23027/17]
View answerThe terms of reference for the review of the Succeed-in-Ireland initiative have yet to be finalised. The review will be commissioned following their completion.
The Succeed-in-Ireland initiative was operated by Connect Ireland on the basis of a contract between it and IDA Ireland. The IDA's only financial obligations in connection with the initiative are those that arise from that contract, which concluded on 26 March 2017.
The Agency's annual exchequer allocations allow it to meet its various financial commitments, including those related to the now concluded Succeed-in-Ireland contract. I therefore do not anticipate any need to make further resources available to the Agency in connection with the initiative.
79. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to attract potential foreign direct investment opportunities to County Wexford which may emerge as a result of Brexit; the number of vacant sites and factories the IDA has in County Wexford; the number of visits she has paid to County Wexford since she became Minister in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23039/17]
View answerMy responsibility, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is to ensure that Ireland as a whole is best placed to capitalise on whatever foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities may emerge on account of Brexit. I regularly engage with IDA Ireland about its Brexit related requirements and issues in connection with securing new investment for all counties including Wexford. Since becoming Minister I have visited the County once, on 9th September 2016, when I met with a number of agency clients and discussed job creation in the region. While I am confident about the potential to secure new investment in Ireland, we do need to be realistic about what is achievable. Competition for all new investment remains intense and we should not expect tens of thousands of Brexit related jobs to be created here by default.
It should also be noted that in order to attract FDI including any mobile investment as a result of Brexit to the regions, IDA Ireland must maintain an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings that can be offered to potential investors. In County Wexford there are three IDA Ireland sites and one private finance facility available to market.
80. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the risk assessments as a result of Brexit her Department has carried out with regard to international trade. [18050/17]
View answerOn 29 March 2017, Prime Minister Theresa May formally notified the European Council of the UK's intention to leave the EU in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This means that the two-year exit process has now commenced.
My Department has contributed to the central risk assessment, coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, over the course of the past two years.
My Department is undertaking research to examine the implications at firm-level for the most exposed enterprise sectors of the UK being outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union. This research will inform an assessment of the way in which Brexit will affect individual sectors of the economy and our targeted response.
My department is also commencing work to profile the composition of trade and investment for Ireland and a range of EU Member States with the UK. This will provide an evidence base to inform Ireland’s policy positions as part of the wider negotiation on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
At the strategic level, Enterprise 2025 sets out the roadmap for enterprise development, and details the actions required and being taken to support the manufacturing and service sectors. Our new trade and investment strategy, Ireland Connected, will be backed up by increasing our agency resources both at home and overseas and an intensified programme of trade missions.
Enterprise Ireland is working with firms to support the identification of new overseas markets. We are engaging with companies to help them adapt to currency fluctuations and to support product and market diversification.
Further, my Department is also funding a project through InterTrade Ireland on the North-South trade implications of Brexit. This project will provide an understanding of the impact of different trade and tariff regimes which might be imposed following Brexit.
We have made it a priority to minimise the impact of Brexit on Ireland's trade and on our economy. Supporting the development and growth of indigenous companies and maximising Foreign Direct investment are key activities of my Department and Agencies.
81. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to attract companies that have to relocate some of their operations from Britain to an EU member state; and her views on whether Ireland could secure the relocation of the European Medicines Agency. [23032/17]
View answerThe IDA continues to work hard to both identify and pursue new opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) for Ireland that may arise on account of Brexit. This process involves engaging with potential clients, both at home and abroad, in connection with various issues associated with locating or expanding here.
As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, I work closely with the Agency in support of their efforts to win new FDI - whether Brexit-related or not - for the country. Two weeks ago, for example, I participated in an IDA marketing and investment programme to the United States aimed at attracting more business to Ireland.
As regards the European Medicines Agency (EMA), I believe Ireland is strongly placed to become its new home. The strengths of our bid are well known, including our world-class workforce, dynamic life sciences sector and the fact that relocation here would represent the least disruptive option for the EMA. We will continue, across Government, to promote Ireland as the ideal new location for the Agency.
82. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Dáil Eireann will not be asked to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, between Canada and the European Union until there is a judgment given by the European Court of Justice that directly decides upon the legality of CETA and its investor state dispute provisions under European law (details supplied). [22661/17]
View answerOn 15 February 2017, the European Parliament voted in support of the provisional application of CETA. The process of ratification can now commence in some 43 national parliaments and regional assemblies across the EU according to their constitutional requirements. In Ireland’s case, the Dáil will be part of the final decision to ratify the Agreement. My understanding is that the European Court of Justice has not been asked to decide on issues referred to by the Deputy.
I fully support the early provisional application of the Agreement. I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access.
Canada is currently finalising its internal implementation procedures to allow for its ratification of the Agreement. This process is expected to be completed in the near future and should facilitate provisional application by Autumn of this year. Regarding ratification by Ireland, I believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of CETA come into being before it is put before the Dáil for ratification. Then we can have a fully informed, evidence based debate on the value of the Agreement to Ireland.
My Department is already working with our agencies and business representative groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of the Agreement. In addition, Minister Breen and Minister Murphy have led sectoral trade missions to Canada this year. I will also be leading a trade mission to Canada later this month to promote the opportunities provided by the Agreement.
Earlier this month, the Taoiseach met with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the ties between Canada and Ireland including the potential for increased economic and trade links between Ireland and Canada arising from CETA.
83. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her Department's role with other State agencies in securing a future for a site (details supplied). [23014/17]
View answerFirstly, I would like to make it clear that the factory concerned is not under the ownership of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland. The facility concerned is not a client of either agency.
Both Agencies have engaged with the relevant parties about marketing the facility as suitable for potential investors. The property has also been included on the IDA’s database of available office and manufacturing properties in County Westmeath.
While Enterprise Ireland does not purchase property for its clients, it is working with the relevant enterprise development partners regarding the future of the building concerned.
Both Agencies are available to assist potential clients who may require premises for investment in the area to view the property.
In addition to assisting with the facility concerned, IDA Ireland is marketing Mullingar and the Midlands for new investment. It also works with its existing client companies in the area with a view to encouraging them to grow and embed their business.
Together Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Westmeath Local Enterprise Office are working to ensure the success of the Midlands Action Plan for Jobs which as an objective of creating an extra 14,000 jobs across the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois by 2020.
84. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding regional IDA site visits and vacant properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22960/17]
View answerUnder its current strategy, IDA Ireland has targeted an increase of 30% to 40% in foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside Dublin by 2019. The data available shows that progress is being made towards achieving this goal, with 173 site visits recorded in the first quarter of this year. This is an increase of over 20% on 2016, when 136 visits were recorded for the same period.
While visits by the Agency’s client companies are a useful tool in promoting particular locations, the final decision as to where an investment may ultimately be situated is dependent on an array of factors. This includes the suitability of infrastructure and proximity to transport hubs. Another key consideration for IDA Ireland clients in this context is the ready availability of suitable properties. The Agency therefore requires an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings that can be offered to investors. If the Agency did not have such properties available for investment, it would diminish Ireland’s ability to win mobile FDI, particularly for the regions.
Full details on vacant properties and site visits are available in tabular form and I can arrange for these to be provided to the Deputy.
Site Visits by County in Quarter 1 2017
|
County |
Q1 2017 |
|
Carlow |
3 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
10 |
|
Cork |
9 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin |
82 |
|
Galway |
23 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
5 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
|
Meath |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
9 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
Vacant Properties – Private Finance and IDA Ireland-owned 2017
|
Private Finance |
Private Finance |
IDA Ireland -Owned |
IDA Ireland -Owned |
IDA Ireland -Owned |
|||
|
County |
Town |
Occupied |
Marketable |
Total |
Occupied |
Marketable |
Total |
|
Cork |
Ballygallan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cork |
Bantry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Bandon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Charleville |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Little Island |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Kilbarry |
0 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Mallow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Wilton |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Skibbereen |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
Lurganboy |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
Ballyshannon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Ballyfermot |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
Ballymount |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
Clonshaugh |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Gardiner St |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
Tallaght |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Airways |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
Poppintree |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
Loughrea |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Galway |
Mervue |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Galway |
Roundstone |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Galway |
Ballinasloe |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
Ballybrit |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
Parkmore |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
Gort |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
Tuam |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
Killarney |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Kildare |
Newbridge |
5 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
Fieldcrest |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
~ |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
~ |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
~ |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Charlestown |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
Ballybay |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
Tullamore |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
Castlerea |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
Monksland Athlone |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
Gallowstown |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
Finisklin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Nenagh |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Johnstown |
4 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
Enniscorthy |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
Whitemills |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow |
1 |
5 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Summary |
21 |
21 |
42 |
12 |
18 |
30 |
