Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 674: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 27 January 2005, the progress which has been made to address job losses in the town of Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the situation in Ballinasloe. The State development agencies are promoting industrial and business development in the town and are making every effort to ensure the creation of further employment. Specifically, IDA Ireland is developing a world class business and technology park in Ballinasloe. The goal is to ensure that the town has the appropriate property solutions to attract inward investment. This involves the provision of a high quality business and technology park and, in co-operation with the private sector, the provision of a new advance technology building.

IDA Ireland has co-operated closely with local private developers to construct a 27,000 square ft. advance technology building on the park, which is now occupied by Valois, a French engineering company. The construction of a 29,000 square ft. advance technology building on the park is almost complete and is being actively marketed to potential investors. A site has been provided for the ESB, which has constructed a 38KV station to satisfy the electricity needs of new projects locating on the park. Total investment in the park to date is approximately €7.5 million for both site development works and the construction of two buildings. Since January 2005, there have been six first time site visits by overseas companies to Ballinasloe.

Enterprise Ireland is continuing its work to assist the development of projects in Ballinasloe. The agency, as part of its role in developing the local business infrastructure, is working with Galway County Council and its newly appointed consultants with regard to the construction of a broadband metropolitan area network for Ballinasloe. Enterprise Ireland will also support the council in the marketing of the network when the construction is completed.

I assure the Deputy that the Government and the State development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, including the county enterprise board, are fully committed to the establishment of industry in Ballinasloe.