Vol. 566 No. 2
13 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the most recent efforts by the IDA to provide an industry for the vacant BES factory in Listowel, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12253/03]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency actively participates on and supports the Listowel Development Group, an initiative which brings together all of the resources relevant to the promotion of Listowel and includes the key development agencies for the region, together with representatives of local industry.
IDA Ireland has designated Listowel as a priority town in the Mid-West Region and the agency is committed to securing a new project for the town. The agency is aiming to attract a project from a complete range of IDA target sectors in either manufacturing or internationally traded services. I officiated at the sod-turning ceremony for the 16,600 square foot facility in September 1999 in Listowel, which was completed in September 2000. Since its inception, IDA Ireland has been actively marketing the BES building in Listowel through its property division and its network of overseas offices. There have been a number of visits by overseas companies to the building, as well as viewings by members of the agency's international services division who have also met with the promoters of the building. While these efforts have not yet resulted in the securing of a suitable inward investment project, IDA Ireland is continuing to actively market the BES facility and Listowel to potential clients. However, it is the client who makes the final decision on where any project will locate.
At present, we are facing slow growth in the world economy with considerable political and economic uncertainties. This makes it all the more difficult to attract foreign direct investment. However, IDA strategies have proved very successful to date, even in the most difficult of times.
I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA in North Kerry, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of overseas investment and jobs for the people of Listowel.
