Niall Blaney
Ceist:207 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to deal with the soaring unemployment rate in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26468/03]
Written Answers. - Unemployment Levels.
On 16 October last, I met with a delegation from the Donegal County Development Board. The purpose of the meeting was to focus on progressing key priority economic infrastructure projects within the context of promoting job creation and investment in County Donegal. Representatives of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta were present. The agencies are fully committed to encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, in particular, the Border midlands and west, BMW, of which Donegal is a part.
There has been a number of positive initiatives in County Donegal. PacifiCare Health Systems Ireland continues to recruit as a result of its ongoing expansion. This development at completion will bring total employment in the company to over 300 people. Ongoing investment at Prumerica Systems Ireland Limited, has resulted in a current staffing level of approximately 390 people and the company continues to recruit. The IDA business park at Letterkenny has been completed: IDA plans are well advanced on the provision of a second 25,000 sq.ft. advance factory, and planning permission has been sought for a third advance facility. In addition, planning permission has been sought for new facilities at Buncrana and Ballyshannon.
Enterprise Ireland has been active in supporting the development of new enterprise space over the past five years in Letterkenny, Moville, Erne Enterprise, Glenties and Convoy. Ten community enterprise centres have been funded to date in County Donegal. I recently announced that Con voy community enterprise centre had been approved €100,000 for additional enterprise space. The Donegal County Enterprise Board has also been very active in promoting and supporting micro-enterprises in the county.
County Donegal has a number of strengths that can contribute to the development of its enterprise base. These will be built upon by the agencies as part of their strategic agenda for the development of the area. I reiterate the Government's continuing commitment to ensuring the most equitable regional distribution of job opportunities.