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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Development.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

78 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding her statement of 28 August 2002, the progress which has been made with regard to securing a replacement industry for Carlow following the loss of 225 jobs at a factory (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20374/02]

The state development agencies are fully committed to promoting employment creation in the Carlow area. The Government is committed to ensuring the most equitable regional distribution of job opportunities and the importance of making even greater efforts in this field has been impressed on the development agencies. The agencies work closely with each other and with the development bodies in the area, including the Carlow County Development Board and Carlow County Council, as well as other local bodies and interests in facilitating an integrated approach to enterprise development. Carlow is being targeted by IDA Ireland as a credible alternative to the major population centres of choice. IDA Ireland's focus will be on attracting international services and the newer technology businesses.

Development works are well under way at the new 50-acre business and technology park on the Dublin Road. It is planned that these works will be completed by end of 2002, after which work can commence on the construction of the first building, which is expected to be completed in late summer 2003. The park will provide high specification office accommodation. Along with recent improvements in road access to Dublin Airport and the growing reputation of Carlow Institute of Technology graduates, the technology park will position Carlow to win additional inward investment. The strong growth sectors of software development and financial and customer services will be the main targets. In addition, IDA Ireland has recently agreed to sell its seven-acre industrial site to Carlow County Council in order to facilitate the provision of sites for manufacturing.

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