Vol. 558 No. 6
38 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the cut of 30% in the allocation for Shannon Free Airport Development Company - Grants to Industry; the implications of this cut for job creation and industrial development within the SFADCo area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24855/02]
The Estimate for enterprise development in 2003 has been structured specifically to encourage continued growth in the economy while at the same time recognising the overall imperative of reducing the growth in public spending. The fact is that we must acknowledge the changed economic circumstances in which we are currently operating. I am conscious, however, that it is equally vital that we protect our economic competitiveness and retain the capacity to generate employment in key sectors.
39 Mr. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made in finding a tenant for the new state-of-the-art factory in Charleville, County Cork; and the progress which has been made in securing a replacement factory for Macroom. [24891/02]
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring the most equitable regional distribution of job opportunities and I have impressed on IDA Ireland the crucial importance of making even greater efforts to provide employment in regional locations as opposed to Dublin and its environs.
IDA Ireland markets north Cork as one area, which includes Charleville, Kanturk, Newmarket, Mallow, Millstreet, Fermoy and Mitchelstown. Since its inception, the agency has been marketing the BES building in Charleville through its network of overseas offices and project divisions. As no interest has been expressed in the facility there have been no site visits to date. However, while the agency will continue to actively market the facility to potential clients from a complete range of IDA target sectors in either manufacturing or internationally traded services through its project divisions and overseas offices, it is the client company that makes the final decision on where any project will locate.
In relation to Macroom, IDA Ireland has designated the town as a priority location in the south-west region and it is committed to securing a new project for the town. The agency aims to attract projects from a complete range of IDA Ireland target sectors such as pharmaceutical, healthcare, ICT and international services, and it is actively marketing both the location and the former GSI facility though its project divisions and its network of overseas offices.
While Elan had purchased the former GSI facility in April 2002 it is currently on the market again. IDA Ireland works in co-operation with the Elan facilities manager in Macroom when site visits are scheduled. Since the facility has gone on the market, one company viewed the site as part of a national site selection process.
