Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the issue and I have met some of the people involved. IDA Ireland is working hard with the local authority to find a solution to this. It is correct that this is a frustrating experience for a number of companies at Parkmore business park. It has been a successful park with companies such as Metronic, Merit Medical, Celestica and Creganna. The pressure has built against a background where over the past four years IDA Ireland has expanded its employment base in Galway by 33%, with 3,500 additional people working in its companies. The other backdrop to this is I have recognised clearly that we need to develop a much more integrated regional enterprise strategy where local authorities, State agencies and educational institutions work together as they seek to develop sectoral opportunities. It is very much part of my thinking to embrace the local authority as an equal partner in seeking to drive this matter forward.

IDA Ireland has been examining this matter for some time. It has developed proposals and is in discussions with the local authority in respect of them. Meetings were held as recently as last week and, arising out of them, both parties and their engineering teams are considering how this can be resolved. The Senator is correct that there is an immediate problem for the industrial estate. However, the local authorities are developing a longer term solution, which involves a considerable number of additional measures such as adding traffic signals, a widening of the road and changes at the N17 Parkmore Road junction. A comprehensive plan is under development and the urgency has arisen, particularly since schools reopened in September, because the companies experiencing significant congestion.

Mr. Pat Dunne, the managing director of Creganna has set up a group, which is active in this regard, and the IDA is working closely with them. I assure the Senator that this issue is not bring overlooked. IDA Ireland, which is under my remit, is working closely with the engineers and I hope that a solution can be developed. I spoke to IDA Ireland officials earlier and will continue my contacts with them. I will also speak to local authority officials should that be helpful. A sincere effort is being made by all sides to find a solution to a problem that has resulted from the success of the park and the region.