Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 422: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to locate 50% of IDA Ireland jobs in the Border, midlands and western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/06]

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

The Industrial Development Authority has been designated an autonomous body under the Industrial Development Acts. One of the functions assigned to the authority in this capacity is to foster the national objective of balanced regional development and this is being pursued within the framework of the national spatial strategy.

I understand from IDA Ireland that regional development has been made a central feature of its strategy and operations, that the agency has a target of 50% of all new greenfield jobs to be located in the region in the period 2000-06 and that substantial progress has been achieved to date in that regard. Prior to the start of the Government's current national development programme, only some 25% of all new greenfield jobs were locating in the region compared to circa 43% at end 2005.

To support and enhance the promotion of the BMW region, IDA Ireland has increased its land portfolio in the region from circa 29% in 1998 to circa 43% at end-2005. A combined regions and property division has been established within the agency in Athlone and sectoral development responsibilities have been regionalised, with ICT now located in Waterford, medical technologies in Athlone and engineering in Sligo, to drive the regional development agenda from within the regions.

The agency is also working close with a wide range of other organisations at local and regional levels, such as local authorities, utility providers, educational institutes, private developers and so forth, to enhance the attractiveness of individual areas for new greenfield investments or expansion projects that will deliver quality sustainable jobs. This is important in the context that investors have the ultimate say in regard to what area is chosen for a project, including what areas to visit as potential locations.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland in furtherance of its statutory function and assigned responsibilities, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will continue to bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of the BMW region.