Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The industrial policy in County Mayo encompasses more than just IDA Ireland. There are approximately 19 IDA-supported companies in County Mayo, employing approximately 3,000 people in permanent jobs and a further 450 in temporary and contract employment. Employment numbers are strong relative to the 1990s and almost 10% higher than in January 1997. Some of the key companies include Baxter, Allergan and Coca-Cola, which are significant reference sites to enable us to market the county for other types of investment.

Enterprise Ireland has been very active in County Mayo and working with the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology is providing a significant source of graduates to the area. It is also providing additional supports for locally-based companies and incubation space for entrepreneurs and new companies. IDA Ireland is investing significantly with more than €6 million devoted to property solutions. I refer to the Castlebar flagship business and technology park which is built on a site of 11.78 hectares. The Deputy is correct that with regard to Ballina, significant legal difficulties arose which were beyond the control of IDA Ireland and of the Department but these are nearing resolution. A site of 25.31 hectares contains a world-class business and technology park in Westport. I refer the Deputy to the developing road infrastructure and significant progress has been made in that regard. I refer also to the development of the sites along with the 12.5% corporation tax and the strong education infrastructure. County Mayo is positioned for foreign direct investment but indigenous space should not be forgotten nor the need to develop and support locally-based companies. I have met with a number of such companies in County Mayo which have been particularly successful. If the infrastructure can be developed further, then we will do even better.

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