Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I refer to competitiveness in the global market place. IDA Ireland is actively pursuing all opportunities to promote Ireland as a whole but it also takes regional development into account in order to achieve a balance across the country.

I note projects such as the Atlantic rail corridor, the tunnel under the Shannon, the University of Limerick and other infrastructural developments in County Limerick. The region is a key area and the IDA is at the forefront in promoting research and development, linking up high value-added and knowledge-based companies with universities. These are the types of projects being promoted by the IDA in its travels throughout the world.

I acknowledge the great work being undertaken by the IDA in promoting Ireland as a whole. The Deputy is correct in that some areas benefit more than others in the context of embryonic spin-offs from large companies already situated in a place. The IDA cannot direct where a company wants to set up but we can encourage and direct it into certain areas and this is being done. The mid-west has a very strong IDA-supported employment base which it is hoped will continue.

Reference has been made to access to the mid-west. The Government is actively pursuing airlines and encouraging them to consider Shannon Airport. The open skies policy is in place but I am confident that Shannon Airport will continue to prosper in the context of the transatlantic routes as it is the nearest link to the east coast of the United States. I do not share a pessimistic view of what is happening in the mid-west in which there are great opportunities as a result of large capital infrastructural developments. The IDA must take note of balanced regional development but the Deputy will understand that it cannot direct a company to locate in a particular area, as this decision is based on other considerations such as sister companies and others engaged in similar activity.

I will endeavour to obtain a more detailed reply for the Deputy, as I know he has strong opinions on the subject. I will highlight his concerns and convey them to the Minister, Deputy Martin, and the IDA.

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