Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. While I can issue general policy directives to the agencies under the Industrial Development Acts, I am precluded from issuing directives about individual undertakings or giving preference to one area over others. I have been assured by the agencies under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that they are endeavouring to attract new investment, encourage the establishment of new businesses, expand existing businesses and develop the labour market in County Mayo. Ballina and Castlebar will benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities outlined in the new national development plan. It is vital that national investment is partnered with local vision and leadership. Private investment must also play a role. County development boards are best placed to oversee any additional responses required, in addition to the work of the industrial development agencies under the auspices of the Department.

IDA Ireland which recognises the need to secure high value investment that will provide sustainable long-term jobs is developing world-class business parks in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport as part of its marketing strategy for County Mayo. I was pleased to learn recently that significant progress had been made by Mayo County Council in securing unburdened title to a site of 10.29 hectares on the Sligo Road in Ballina. Employment in companies in County Mayo supported by IDA Ireland increased by almost 10%, from 2,711 to 2,973, between January 1998 and December 2006. The county's employment performance has been good when considered within the current global economic climate. There is a diverse range of foreign direct investment companies in the county in sectors such as medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, international services, engineering and information and communications technology.

Enterprise Ireland is focusing on the creation of new jobs by supporting entrepreneurs establishing new high potential start-up companies. It is concentrating on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and the enhancement of Ireland's innovation capability at a national and regional level. It is supporting research in companies and third level institutions. The overall aim of Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to transform Irish companies into businesses which are focused on the market and driven by innovation. It is working to increase the exports, sales and employment of such companies. Some 3,145 people were employed in Enterprise Ireland's client companies in County Mayo at the end of 2006. Since January 2006, Enterprise Ireland has approved funding support of almost €2 million, of which €1.45 million has already been paid to companies in the county which are supported by the agency. The Mayo County Enterprise Board supports small businesses throughout the county which have not more than ten employees. The board approved the allocation of €620,000 to 30 projects in 2006. It paid approximately €440,000 in grant assistance to 29 projects which resulted in the creation of 110 net jobs in companies throughout the county which are assisted by the board.

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