Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the jobs lost in counties Wicklow and Carlow in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4106/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The issues of job creation and retention in enterprise development agency supported companies is a day-to-day matter for the agencies and not one in which I am directly involved. I assume the question refers to client companies of the enterprise development agencies.

In recent years Irish manufacturing firms, particularly in the more traditional sectors, have operated against a backdrop of an increasingly competitive international environment. Despite these pressures, total unemployment in Ireland remains relatively low at 4.3% and economic growth is estimated at 4.8% for 2005.

A total of 4,710 people are employed in 194 client companies of Enterprise Ireland in County Wicklow. Provisional figures for 2005 indicate that in County Wicklow, 426 jobs were created and 855 jobs were lost resulting in a net loss of 429 jobs. A total of 2,547 people are employed in 88 client companies of Enterprise Ireland in County Carlow. Provisional figures for 2005 indicate that in County Carlow, 204 jobs were created and 312 jobs were lost resulting in a net loss of 108.

In County Wicklow, Enterprise Ireland has approved funding support of more than €7.3 million and paid more than €7.8 million to client companies in the past three years. Enterprise Ireland has also approved funding of more than €1.5 million in support of community enterprise centres in Arklow and Wicklow town. Arklow Community Enterprise Centre opened in April 2005. In County Carlow, in the past three years, Enterprise Ireland approved support of more than €5.3 million and made payments of more than €3.5 million for manufacturing industry in the county. Enterprise Ireland assisted the establishment of Carlow Community Enterprise Centre, which opened in December 2004 and has also approved €1.42 million for the construction of a campus innovation centre at Carlow Institute of Technology.

The county enterprise boards, CEBs, develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity throughout their regions. Carlow County Enterprise Board reports that in 2005 its clients created 60 jobs and lost ten jobs resulting in a net increase of 50 jobs. Similarly, Wicklow County Enterprise Board reports that in 2005 its clients created 82 jobs and lost 34 jobs resulting in a net increase of 48 jobs.

IDA employment figures for 2005 will be available at the end of February 2006. It is actively working with client companies in Carlow to encourage them to grow and expand their range of activities. The role of third level colleges such as Carlow Institute of Technology and St. Patrick's College is critical to ensuring that Carlow and the region develops its educational and research capability to support existing and new investment. IDA Ireland is committed to the development of County Carlow and is actively promoting Carlow town for new foreign investment in international services and high value manufacturing activities. IDA Ireland has invested almost €11.5 million to date in developing the Carlow business and technology park on the Dublin Road. IDA Ireland is already actively marketing the building and park through its network of overseas offices. For County Wicklow, IDA Ireland reports that Takeda Pharmaceutical's — Japan — new expansion facility at IDA Ireland Bray business park is almost complete which will result in an increase of 90 jobs. Expansions by other clients are being implemented including Servier Pharmaceuticals and Inamed McGhan. The agency is continuing to invest in the county with €3 million going towards significant site development works at Arklow business park.