Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I am conscious of the adverse effects on workers in the Ballinasloe area of job losses over the past year, including the recent announcement by Dubarry Shoes Limited of its decision to cease manufacturing at its Ballinasloe plant during November 2004 and transfer this production element to the company's manufacturing partners overseas, with the loss of up to 40 jobs.

The relevant development agencies are making every effort to promote industrial development in the town. Ballinasloe remains a location of high focus for the IDA for new foreign direct investment. Since the Square D closure announcement in January 2003, IDA has brought 12 potential clients on site visits to Ballinasloe. The construction of a second advanced technology building is also under way at the IDA business and technology park in Ballinasloe and completion is expected before mid-2005. In addition, a site has been provided by the IDA to the ESB for the construction of a 38 KV station to satisfy the electricity needs of new projects locating on the park. The ESB is currently out to tender for the construction of this station.

The IDA and Enterprise Ireland are actively working with the existing base of companies in the county and the Ballinasloe area to encourage them to grow and expand. The State development agencies continue to actively participate in locally generated marketing initiatives. Enterprise Ireland is providing support for the appointment of a manager for Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre. The agency has also supported a one year training programme for entrepreneurs in the Athlone and Galway Institutes of Technology under the enterprise platform programme, as part of encouraging high potential start-up companies in the region. Further examples of progress being made in the town can be seen in the opening of the leisure centre and an increase in the range of training opportunities. The courses include the NUI diploma in community development and the LIONRA course providing access to third level education.

FÁS, the national training authority, continues to participate with other State agencies in helping people to find suitable employment in the Ballinasloe area. In reaction to the closure announcement at Dubarry Shoes Limited, FÁS immediately contacted the company and met with the personnel manager on 13 October 2004 to outline its full range of services, to ascertain details of the lay-offs and make arrangements for meeting with the staff. FÁS began one-to-one guidance interviews with the workforce on 20 October 2004. To date, the agency has interviewed most of the 40 staff who are due to be made redundant.

Galway County and City Enterprise Board is actively involved in the economic and social development of the Ballinasloe area, particularly through the implementation of the Ballinasloe area community development section plan, a local group dedicated to the establishment and development of enterprise units. The board also co-operates closely with the Leader group, Galway Rural Development and with Galway County Council.

Since January 1999, 55 grant applications have been approved for assistance by Galway County Enterprise Board in the Ballinasloe region at a cost of €591,225, of which €453,152 has already been paid. The board has also provided targeted start your own business training courses for former employees of Square D, some of whom have successfully implemented their ideas and are currently providing employment in the Balinasloe region. The board will continue to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development throughout the locality. In the area of telecommunications, Galway County Council and the State development agencies have recently submitted a proposal to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the development of broadband infrastructure.

The major decentralisation package announced in the budget includes 110 jobs to be relocated to Ballinasloe. This move demonstrates the Government's commitment to balanced regional development and will provide a further boost to enterprise development in this area. The State development agencies are fully committed to ensuring an equal distribution of job creation opportunities and to encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, in particular the Border, midlands and west region, of which Ballinasloe is an integral part. The State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department, will continue to work closely together and with local interests in promoting Ballinasloe for additional investment and job creation.