Albert Reynolds
Ceist:96 Mr. A. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will set up a task force to procure industry for County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24296/98]
Written Answers. - Industrial Development.
Louis J. Belton
Ceist:97 Mr. Belton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will set up a task force in County Longford to improve the situation in relation to job creation in view of the fact that no major investment has been made in the county and the need for new industry in the area. [24083/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
The value of establishing task forces, and their potential for success, depends very much on the particular circumstances of the situation. In the ordinary course, a task force is not necessarily appropriate as a response to the general economic difficulties in a given area. It can, however, be of significant merit in selected circumstances and as a means of responding to specific events such as the closure of a major employer where this would have widespread implications in terms of local employment and spin offs into the local economy. I consider that a task force is a useful instrument in such circumstances and should be used as a means of responding creatively and flexibly, in limited circumstances, where a special effort is needed to harness the collective dynamic of the various interests and agencies as appropriate.
I have no plans for the establishment of a special task force for County Longford.
The Industrial Development Agencies and the County Enterprise Board have contributed to raising the employment levels in Longford over the past number of years. From its inception to the end of 1997, financial support from Longford County Enterprise Board has assisted the setting up of 198 projects with a job potential of 366 full-time and 46 part-time jobs.
Enterprise Ireland client companies have increased their employment by 250 persons between the period 1995 to 1997, an increase of nearly 20 per cent over the past three years. A number of Enterprise Ireland firms are planning to expand their businesses over the next year which will lead to an increase in employment in the area.
IDA Ireland is actively promoting Longford to potential inward investors. While the issue of regional distribution continues to be a high priority for IDA Ireland, the decision on where to locate rests solely with the overseas investors, based primarily on the competitiveness and general level of attractiveness of individual locations.
The various enterprise support agencies, together with the Longford County Strategy Group, which operates closely with the local authority and which co-ordinates the activities of local economic development agencies such as the Longford County Enterprise Board, Leader companies and partnership companies under the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development continue to work in the interest of economic development in Longford.