Vol. 571 No. 3
74 Mr. O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is monitoring the unemployment figures in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if everything possible will continue to be done by the State agencies to attract new employment to the town which is now the third largest population centre in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21571/03]
There were 3,534 people on the live register in Tallaght at end September 2003 compared with 3,364, 12 months previously. The live register figures are monitored by the local FÁS employment services office.
A number of prominent companies in the electronics, internationally traded services and software sectors have established operations in the Tallaght area and are continuing to expand their operations. Recently, Google and Overture, two world renowned high-tech companies, decided to locate in the area. A Japanese pharmaceuticals company has begun construction of a plant in Grangecastle, Clondalkin, which will employ 60 people. A new biotechnology facility in Grangecastle, Clondalkin, employs 500 people which is expected to increase to 1,300 by 2005.
Enterprise Ireland has approved funding so far this year for 14 projects in the Tallaght area. The agency has also approved funding towards the cost of a new campus innovation centre at the Tallaght Institute of Technology. At the micro-enterprise level, the South Dublin County Enterprise Board continues to provide a comprehensive range of supports and training.
The State agencies will continue to promote the Tallaght area for industrial development. However, the decision on where a particular project locates rests with the promoter of the project.
