Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. IDA Ireland has statutory responsibility for marketing Ireland, including individual areas and towns such as north Mayo and Ballina, for overseas investment. Enterprise Ireland has responsibility for the promotion of indigenous industry, while county enterprise boards concentrate on the micro sector. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies under the Industrial Development Acts, I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

The management of IDA Ireland's property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency and not a matter in which I or my Department have a statutory function. IDA Ireland has assured me it is actively promoting both Ballina and the north Mayo area generally for new foreign investment. Since January 2003, there have been five first-time site visits to Ballina. In addition, the agency is also working with its existing base of overseas companies to encourage them to grow and expand and to further enhance the attractiveness of the county for new investment. The agency is developing new world class business and technology parks in a number of towns throughout Mayo.

IDA Ireland informs me that it has had extensive discussions with Mayo County Council regarding the acquisition of the approximately 27 acre site in local authority ownership on the Sligo Road in Ballina. The agency has completed site investigation works and has obtained planning permission for site development works to ensure that these lands are suitable for industrial purposes, prior to acquisition. I understand that IDA Ireland is currently awaiting contract documentation and a copy of unburdened title from Mayo County Council.

IDA Ireland recognises the need to provide high value employment opportunities in Mayo, including Ballina, which provide sustainable long-term jobs. The agency is working with local groups, utility providers, FÁS and other agencies to ensure that Ballina and Mayo secure the appropriate infrastructure to enable the existing companies to grow and develop and to make the area sufficiently attractive for new projects. IDA Ireland has been deeply involved with local partners in the development of regional planning guidelines. I am satisfied that the strategies being pursued by the development agencies, together with the Government's commitment to regional development, will continue to bear fruit in terms of the creation of sustainable employment for the people of Ballina and Mayo generally.

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