Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the efforts being made to provide industrial employment in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; the number of potential industrialists contacted; the likelihood of employment being located there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16417/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Support for investment and job creation is a day to day operational matter for the industrial development agencies: IDA Ireland, which is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of industry; Enterprise Ireland, which has responsibility for developing indigenous industry and Mayo County Enterprise Board, CEB, which has responsibility for the promotion of indigenous industry in the micro-enterprise sector. These agencies, through their network of local and overseas offices are actively promoting the county for new investment and jobs on an ongoing basis. Ultimately however, decisions regarding where to locate are taken by investors.

A major factor in attracting industrial development to any location is the availability of a suitable property solution. In this regard Ballinrobe has a 22,000 sq. ft. unit available. In the past 13 months, three preliminary site visits were undertaken to Ballinrobe by overseas investors. IDA Ireland is still in contact with some of these companies.

Enterprise Ireland has preferential funding available for client companies, with detailed export plans, who are expanding or establishing a business in the county as part of the Border, Midlands and West, BMW Region. This support can enable companies to fund their plans for innovation and new product development. Since the beginning of 2003, I understand Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of almost €2.5 million for projects for client companies in County Mayo.

During the period of the current National Development Plan 2000-2006, Mayo County Enterprise Board has approved €90,250 in grant-aid to 10 projects in the Ballinrobe area. Between them these projects have the potential to create 18 jobs.

As well as capital and employment grants, the board operates a comprehensive range of development and support programmes designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently to ensure survival and growth. To date, the board has spent approximately €1.3 million on the delivery of business advice and training to micro-enterprises throughout the county. From 1993 to 2003, 1,780 participants have availed of this training.

I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by the industrial development agencies, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of the Ballinrobe region.