Written Answers. - Gort (Galway) Project.
Noel Treacy
Ceist:
235
Mr. N. Treacy
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
if he will sanction a project at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the necessity for this project; the efforts, if any, his Department and the State agencies have made in regard to a project for the area; the date on which he will sanction and announce such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[19810/96]
Responsibility for support of enterprise establishment and expansion is a delegated function of the industrial development agencies which operate under the aegis of my Department. I have been in touch with these agencies and none is aware of any project for the Gort area currently in the pipeline.
Forbairt, which is responsible for indigenous industry, identifies and works with both small and medium-large companies throughout Ireland, including the west, by providing a comprehensive range of financial and development supports to Irish industry. Successful companies in Gort which have been assisted by Forbairt in the past include Duffy Meat Exports, Top Form Ltd. and Dawn Components. It would welcome new projects from local entrepreneurs.
Under its community enterprise development programme, Forbairt assists community groups to provide enterprise centres in areas where suitable work space is in short supply. The agency's director in the west region met, only last week, with representatives of the Gort and South Galway Traders and Development Association to discuss what assistance, if any, Forbairt could provide towards the establishment of an enterprise centre in Gort. Forbairt, which is committed to working with and providing assistance to local enterprise organisations, will continue to assist the group with its development proposal.
Forbairt also works in close co-operation with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board. Since its establishment in 1993, the board has supported 19 projects in the Gort area in a range of sectors including glass, jewellery, furniture, equestrian tourism, heritage and pottery. Grants approved for the projects amount to almost £100,000 of which over £50,000 has been drawn down. The projects have resulted in the creation of approximately 35 jobs in the area. It is the intention of Galway CCEB to continue to promote local enterprise throughout all areas of the country, including Gort.
While IDA Ireland actively promotes the location of overseas industry to the west region, the Deputy will understand that the number of greenfield manufacturing projects attracted to Ireland in any year is limited. Many of these have specific locational requirements which means they are not mobile within the country. Ultimately, the choice of location is made by the company taking account of competitive advantages such as infrastructure and business environment.
IDA Ireland owns a site of 5.68 acres in Gort which the agency is actively promoting to potential investors.
In addition to seeking new investors, IDA Ireland also works closely with existing industry to encourage development and expansion. Last year, for example, Lisk Ireland Ltd. announced a major expansion to its facility in Gort; the extension to the firm's premises is currently under way and recruitment of extra personnel commenced some time ago.
