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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Losses.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

254 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 8 May 2003, the progress she has made to address the job losses in the towns of Ballinasloe and Athlone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20208/03]

I have been advised by IDA Ireland that since the Square D closure announcement in January 2003 there have been seven site visits to Ballinasloe. Construction of a second advance technology building of approximately 27,000 square feet, in the IDA Business and Technology Park is expected to commence in October 2003. In addition, IDA has reached an agreement with the ESB for the development of a 38KV substation on its estate which will significantly enhance the electricity supply infrastructure to the site and the surrounding area. IDA and other State agencies have actively participated in locally generated marketing initiatives and are involved in an ongoing ser ies of meetings with members of the Ballinasloe Town Council and Chamber of Commerce. The State development agencies are fully committed to ensuring an equal distribution of job opportunities and to encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, in particular, the Border, midlands and west, BMW, region, of which Athlone and Ballinasloe are an integral part. However, over the past five years the overall challenges for companies have been difficult. Much of the midlands and BMW region is in a period of transition from dependence on the more cost competitive sectors, into the higher value added activities. Part of this transition has involved job reductions and losses in long established employers in the area and reinforces the importance and urgency of attracting more modern industrial and higher value added activities.

These efforts are being supported by specific IDA initiatives in the midlands, which include a comprehensive IDA property programme in place on the Athlone Business and Technology Park; two new technology buildings of approximately 25,000 square feet and a further office unit of 14,000 square feet which are complete and are currently being marketed by IDA. Alienware Corporation's official opening of their European operations centre in Athlone on 17 September, creating 80 jobs is also a welcome development. The State agencies under the auspices of my Department are and will continue to work closely in the interests of promoting Ballinasloe and Athlone for additional investment and job creation.

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