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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Development.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

70 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the financial package being promoted by the Industrial Development Authority to industrialists to locate in the west of Ireland. [12046/98]

I am satisfied with the financial package being promoted by the Industrial Development Authority to industrialists to locate in the west of Ireland.

In the west region, IDA Ireland created 1,428 new jobs in 1997, a growth of 9.5 per cent for the region from the 944 new jobs created in 1996. There were also nine projects announcements for the west region during 1997. The impact of these announcements will result in additional employment in the area during 1998 and in the years ahead.

IDA Ireland is extremely conscious of its responsibility to promote and bring new investors to regional locations. The companies supported by IDA are encouraged to look at many locations across the country during the process of their decision making.

To this end, IDA is: favouring locations outside the larger urban centres in every way possible, including the 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 and in partnership with local authorities to have quality sites available at priority locations for new industrial investment.
IDA Ireland continues to pursue a policy of encouraging and facilitating the most equitable regional distribution of jobs throughout the country, including the west. The result of this proactive approach was reflected in 1997 in several project announcements for areas outside the larger urban centres. Since this Government came into office, I announced industrial investments outside Dublin which will lead to the creation of some 14,000 jobs.
IDA Ireland is committed to attracting more investments to all regions and I can assure you that the west will continue to be extensively promoted during 1998.
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