Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

I am concerned not only with premises owned by the IDA but also those owned by companies such as NEC in Ballivor, County Meath. If a large company departs from a small village, as almost happened in Westmeath recently, the rural area loses its heart. Apart from the jobs in the company itself, other jobs are also affected such as those in smaller businesses, the service industry, the post office and shops. What is the drive to replace these jobs?

I accept that the marketing strategy of the IDA must focus on large towns and large industrial parks. However, where an existing premises exists with a history of having jobs located there does the Minister envisage changes whereby such gaps are filled first? The Minister stated action is taken in conjunction with county councils and enterprise boards. I can only speak from my experience in County Meath, and I will not claim it happens everywhere else, but I fear we have a lack of focus on the empty buildings and the county councils, enterprise boards or the IDA do not take on trying to fill them. They seem to fall between stools and remain empty for a number of years. I am concerned this happens across the board. I do not want to be local. Nationally, is there a drive to fill them first?

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