Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2008
76 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a factory (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if these premises should be updated in view of the fact that the desired objective is to have a replacement industry placed there; the plan put in place to find a replacement industry; and the progress to date. [42087/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to the factory and a replacement industry is unchanged from that in the reply given to Dail Question No 159 on 4 November, 2008. While the company that vacated the premises was a client of Enterprise Ireland, the remit of the agency does not extend to the acquisition, renovation or construction of industrial facilities.
77 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans in place to attract industry and jobs to Elphin, Strokestown, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea in County Roscommon. [42088/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Industrial Development agencies namely IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, together with the local County Enterprise Board (CEB) are responsible for inward investment and indigenous enterprise development in County Roscommon.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland actively promotes the town of Roscommon for new investment across a broad range of sectors. In addition, the agency has invested over €2m. in the creation of a flagship Business Park in Roscommon town and has undertaken a major upgrade and enhancement of its existing Industrial Estate at Racecourse Road/Gallowstown. At present there are eight IDA Ireland supported companies in Roscommon employing approximately 885 people. The agency works closely with educational institutions in the Region and with the Industrial Training agency FÁS in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment and in upskilling those already in employment.
Enterprise Ireland is actively involved in assisting its client companies in County Roscommon to grow and develop their businesses. In 2007, the agency worked with over 70 clients in the county employing 1,880 people while funding of €1.2m has been approved so far in 2008 for its client companies. Under the agency's Community Enterprise Centre Scheme, Roscommon IT Centre was approved €300,000 in capital support in November 2007. The agency was already supporting Enterprise Centres in Arigna, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon town. In addition, Enterprise Ireland has approved eight innovation vouchers for Roscommon companies. These vouchers give companies access to the vast knowledge available in Irish Institutes of Technology, Universities and other public research bodies.
During 2007, Roscommon CEB paid out €315,710 in grant assistance to 26 clients. This intervention has assisted in the creation of 59 net jobs. A total of 463 people participated in CEB training programmes. During 2008, the CEB has continued to support enterprise development through the provision of both direct financial assistance (in the form of capital, feasibility and employment grants) and through indirect or soft support assistance such as management development, capability support and the development and delivery of activities to highlight and promote enterprise.
I am satisfied that the policies and initiatives being adopted will continue to bring industry and jobs to County Roscommon.
