Vol. 561 No. 4
117 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the effectiveness of the response to the decline of the textile industry in the north west over the past few years; and her further views on the need identified to gain priority for future years. [4287/03]
The decline of the textile industry has not been confined to the north west. The problems facing the textile industry nationwide are primarily related to competitiveness issues. However, Enterprise Ireland is continuing to work closely with clothing and textile companies in the area to support their competitiveness and grow their business in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Enterprise Ireland support in the region has been substantial during the period 1999-2002 and the agency is committed to investing heavily in the development of new and existing companies in the years ahead.
The response by Enterprise Ireland has focused on four areas of activity: developing existing clients in the region; enhancing the environment for business; identifying and encouraging new high-potential start-up companies in the area; and identifying new opportunities. In addition, the Donegal County Development Board has recently published an integrated strategy for the development of the county. There is a significant focus on inward investment and IDA Ireland is an active participant in this initiative. Indeed, there have been a number of overseas project announcements for the county in recent years. IDA Ireland has also invested in new business parks throughout the county.
Overall, the response of the industrial development agencies has been positive. According to the Forfás employment survey, 329 net new jobs were created in the north west region from 1999 to 2002 in non-clothing and textile-related employment. Furthermore, the private sector is also being encouraged to invest in new modern buildings to assist in the marketing of the county for potential new foreign direct investment. A focused agency approach, including the County Enterprise Board, together with a locally based approach is being implemented to address the situation and the area will remain a focus of agency activity and investment in the years ahead.
