Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:55 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, made to date by the IDA in attracting new industry and jobs to south west Cork. [21986/97]
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
To date in 1997, there were 16 projects announced for the Cork area. These projects, when fully developed, will create 5,055 jobs which will have a positive impact on employment levels in south-west Cork.
The year 1997 has been one of the most successful in recent years both in terms of volume and quality of site visits with approximately 70 first time site visits and 56 return site visits by overseas companies to the Cork area.
IDA Ireland is very conscious of its responsibility to promote and bring new investors to regional locations and this includes the more remote regions such as south-west Cork. It is favouring locations outside the larger urban centres in every way possible, including with higher levels as appropriate; with the involvement of private sector investors, stimulating and supporting a major programme of modern advance factory construction at key locations; and working closely with local authorities to have quality sites available at priority locations for new industrial investment.
The number of new greenfield manufacturing projects attracted to Ireland in any year is limited, and the ultimate decision on where to locate lies with the potential investors. It is important for inward investors to feel that IDA understands their business and needs. At the same time, realistic efforts are made to influence the choice of location where possible without loss of jobs to the country.
IDA Ireland will continue to work closely with Cork County Council, the local Chamber of Commerce and FÁS in a determined drive to win additional investment for the county.
Liam Aylward
Ceist:58 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern in Kilkenny city and county at the lack of efforts by the IDA and her Department to provide industrial and manufacturing jobs in the area, particularly in view of the fact that the 650 jobs lost in a company (details supplied) were never fully replaced and in view of the fact that a new industrial site is currently available on the ring road in Kilkenny and other areas appear to receive priority in the allocation of jobs. [21964/97]
The number of overseas jobs in County Kilkenny is disappointing in comparison to other counties. Despite the best efforts of IDA Ireland to attract significant new overseas investment to the county only one new project was announced for Kilkenny this year. This will potentially employ 150 people at full production.
IDA Ireland is very conscious of its responsibility to promote and bring new investors to regional locations. Investors are encouraged to look at many locations across the country, Kilkenny included, during the process of their decision making. However, decisions on where to locate are made by potential IDA Ireland clients on the basis of competitive advantage. The one clear factor which will influence the location of projects is the level of industrial competitiveness an area can offer by way of infrastructure and a positive business environment.
To enhance the attractiveness of Kilkenny to potential investors, IDA Ireland has purchased the site referred to by the Deputy for development of a new business park in 1998. Planning permission is currently awaited for this site and when approved will be actively marketed by IDA Ireland for overseas investment.