Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
197 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of 10 February 2004, the progress which has been made to address job losses in Ballinasloe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21605/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that Ballinasloe remains a location of high focus for IDA Ireland for new foreign direct investment. Since the Square D closure announcement in January 2003, there have been 12 site visits to Ballinasloe. FÁS continues to participate with other State agencies in helping people to find suitable employment in the Ballinasloe area.
The construction of a second advance technology building is also under way at the IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park in Ballinasloe and completion is expected before mid-2005. In addition, a site has been provided by IDA to the ESB for the construction of a 38KV station to satisfy the electricity needs of new projects locating on the park. I understand that ESB is currently out to tender for the construction of this station.
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively working with existing base of companies in the county and the Ballinasloe area to encourage them to grow and expand. IDA Ireland and other State agencies continue to actively participate in locally generated marketing initiatives.
Enterprise Ireland is providing support for the appointment of a manager for Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre as well as supporting a one year training programme for entrepreneurs in nearby institutes of technology under the enterprise platform programme, as part of encouraging high potential start-up companies in the region.
In the area of telecommunications, Galway County Council and the State development agencies are currently finalising a proposal for submission to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the development of broadband infrastructure.
The major decentralisation package announced in the budget includes 110 jobs to be relocated to Ballinasloe. This move demonstrates the Government's commitment to balanced regional development and will provide a further boost to enterprise development in this area.
The State development agencies are fully committed to ensuring an equal distribution of job creation opportunities and to encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, in particular, the Border, midlands and west, BMW, region, of which Ballinasloe is an integral part.
I can assure the Deputy that the State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department, will continue to work closely together and with local interests in promoting Ballinasloe for additional investment and job creation.
198 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of 10 February 2004, the progress which has been made to address job losses in Athlone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21606/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA comprehensive IDA property programme is in place on the Athlone Business and Technology Park; two new technology buildings of approximately 25,000 sq. ft. and a further office unit of 14,000 sq. ft. which are complete and are currently being marketed by IDA Ireland. I understand that IDA Ireland is also at an advanced stage of negotiations with a potential small/medium sized client for one of the advance technology buildings on the Athlone Business and Technology Park.
Alienware Corporation's official opening of its European Operations Centre in Athlone in September 2003 creating 80 jobs was a welcome development, as was the announcement in October 2003 that Mapics Incorporated would establish a technical support and shared services centre in Athlone, creating 55 new jobs. Both companies have commenced operations in Athlone.
Enterprise Ireland infrastructural projects include the community enterprise centres and incubation facilities in the colleges. A prime example of this approach is their extensive involvement with the Athlone Institute of Technology. Currently under construction is the new Midlands Regional Innovation Centre at the Athlone Institute of Technology. This 8,000 sq. ft. centre is expected to be completed in December 2004. The centre was approved grant assistance of €2.54 million by Enterprise Ireland in recognition that increased innovation and start-ups, particularly in the high tech sectors, are vital to the future growth of Athlone and the Midlands. In addition, Enterprise Ireland works closely with the institutes of technology to encourageindustry-third level partnerships in the region.
The major decentralisation package announced in the budget includes 145 jobs to be relocated to Athlone. This move demonstrates the Government's commitment to balanced regional development and will provide a further boost to enterprise development in the area.
The State development agencies are fully committed to ensuring an equal distribution of job creation opportunities and to encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, in particular, the Border, midlands and west, BMW, region, of which Athlone is an integral part.
I can assure the Deputy that the State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department, will continue to work closely together and with local interests in promoting Athlone for additional investment and job creation.
