Nora Owen
Ceist:104 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, she has to ensure greater regional spread of new employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22088/97]
Written Answers. - Regional Employment.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:121 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific measures, if any, she has taken to give a greater spread of new manufacturing projects arising from foreign investment to the regions and particularly in relation to the south east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22335/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 121 together.
I am fully conscious of the need to ensure the most equitable regional distribution of job opportunities. In this respect, I have spoken to the chief executive officers of both IDA Ireland and Forbairt. I have impressed on them the crucial importance which this Government attaches to making even greater efforts to provide employment throughout the country. I am satisfied that this message is fully understood and that the industrial development agencies involved are doing all that they can to realise a more balanced regional distribution of jobs.
Both the IDA and Forbairt are structured on a regional basis. In addition, the achievement of a better regional redistribution of jobs across the country requires a strong co-operative approach between the industrial development agencies, the local authorities and infrastructure-service providers, including those of skills training.
For its part, IDA Ireland is encouraging visiting companies to look at many locations across the country before making decisions on location and is:
favouring locations outside the larger urban centres in every way possible, including with higher grant 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.
While it is recognised that final decisions on where to locate geographically rest with overseas investors, based primarily on the competitiveness and general level of attractiveness of individual locations, I am satisfied that present policy is impacting on the regional spread of jobs. As an example, in November alone I announced industrial investments for Galway, Tralee, Westport, Shannon, Cork and Mullingar. These will involve the creation of a total of more than 4,000 jobs in the period immediately ahead.
In relation to the south-east region there have been eight projects announced by IDA Ireland to date in 1997. These projects, which are to locate in Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and South Tipperary, will create more than 1,400 jobs when fully developed. This will have a positive impact on employment levels in the region.
In addition, the IDA is developing sites and facilities at Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. These will enhance the attractiveness of the south-east region to potential overseas investors. The IDA will actively market these to potential investors to ensure that suitable industries are found for these locations.