John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that implementation of the south-east action plan is proceeding well. The Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, also established the south-east forum which comprises all of the State stakeholders in the region. The Senator cannot say there is no plan. The aim of the forum is to oversee implementation of the action plan. It is the first such mechanism for the representatives concerned to formally work together. The Minister has also met the forum on several occasions. I, therefore, ask the Senator to agree that there has been good progress since the plan was published in December 2011, including several significant jobs announcements. Companies supported by IDA Ireland operating in the south-east region now employ over 12,000 people. IDA Ireland has submitted a planning application to Waterford County Council for the development of new offices totalling 25,000 sq. ft. This new development will be situated in the IDA Ireland business and technology park in Butlerstown, County Waterford.

There has also been progress on regional infrastructure priorities, including broadband services and the road infrastructure investments under way on the N11 Dublin-Wexford road. Enterprise Ireland has continued its other enterprise support measures, including launching a pilot competitive feasibility fund for new start-ups in the south east. Over 40 applications were received, with 14 high-quality projects being approved for funding.

The Government is completely committed to the south east. Since 2007 Enterprise Ireland has approved a total of 707 innovation vouchers to companies in the south east, with 287 approved to Waterford-based companies as of March this year. Waterford has the fourth highest number of vouchers approved since 2007. In addition, the Waterford County and Waterford City Enterprise Boards have continued to use the funding available from the European globalisation fund and my Department to provide supports for micro-enterprises within the county. A range of projects have been supported by them. I, therefore, ask the Senator to give credit where it is due. Waterford is not doing too badly in the current economic climate.