Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits which have been organised by the IDA to the new IDA park on the Dublin Road, Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24042/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland and its regions. The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including decisions regarding location and size of land owned by IDA, are day to day operational matters for the agency and not matters in which I have a function.

In line with its strategy of achieving balanced regional development in Ireland, marketing Carlow town as a potential location for investment is a major focus for IDA. At present, there are currently five IDA supported companies located in Carlow, employing 896 people. These include Braun and Lapple, which have over 700 employees between them. The continued commitment by IDA Ireland to Carlow is evidenced by the recent development of a flagship business and technology park on the Dublin road. The Carlow business and technology park is part of a national network of high specification business parks being developed by IDA Ireland. These parks will significantly enhance the attractiveness of county towns for overseas investment.

Site development works were completed on the Carlow business and technology park in 2003 and planning permission has recently been granted for the construction of a 17,600 sq. ft. advance office building on the park. Construction is expected to commence after the appeal period of the planning permission has elapsed. Now that planning permission has been received, IDA will be marketing the new office building as well as the green field sites available on the park.

IDA Ireland continues to actively market Carlow town and the new business and technology park through its network of overseas offices. IDA has informed me that one itinerary has already visited the new park. Although there are no site visits planned for the immediate future, IDA is confident that there will be a high degree of interest in the advance office building and green field sites available on the park. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of maximising new investment and jobs for the people of Carlow.