Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Question No. 197 of 29 September 2004, the progress which has been made to address job losses in Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious of the adverse effects on workers in the Ballinasloe area of job losses in recent years. The State development agencies are making every effort to promote industrial development in the town. I advise the Deputy that Ballinasloe remains a high-focus location for the IDA as it seeks to attract new foreign direct investment. The IDA brought 14 potential clients on site visits to Ballinasloe in 2003 and 2004. While no company has yet chosen to set up in Ballinasloe, discussions are ongoing with a number of potential investors.

The construction of a second advanced technology building is also under way at the IDA business and technology park in Ballinasloe. It is expected to be completed by mid-2005. The IDA and Enterprise Ireland are actively working with their existing base of companies in the county and the Ballinasloe area to encourage them to grow and expand. Enterprise Ireland has provided support for the appointment of a manager for Ballinasloe enterprise centre, as well as supporting a one-year training programme for entrepreneurs in nearby institutes of technology under the enterprise platform programme, as part of encouraging high-potential start-up companies in the region.

Galway County and City Enterprise Board Limited is actively involved in the economic and social development of the Ballinasloe area, particularly through the implementation of the Ballinasloe area community development action plan, which is a local group dedicated to the establishment and development of enterprise units. It is encouraging that significant infrastructural investment in electricity supply, transports links and broadband are scheduled to come on stream in 2005.

The Deputy is aware that I visited Ballinasloe recently and met a number of local interest groups to discuss the circumstances in the area. I assure the Deputy that the Government and State development agencies, under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are fully committed to ensuring an equal distribution of job creation opportunities and encouraging the establishment of industry in the regions, particularly the BMW region, of which Ballinasloe is an integral part.