Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a high level specialist team will be appointed to develop a strategy to be implemented by Shannon Development and the Industrial Development Agency to secure replacement industries for Thurles and the wider north Tipperary area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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No task forces have been set up in recent years arising from job losses in particular areas. The practice of establishing task forces has changed since the establishment of the county development boards. Rather than establishing a further layer by creating task forces, the relevant CDB is now seen as the body that is best placed to oversee any additional response that is required over and above the work of the industrial development agencies under the auspices of my Department.

IDA Ireland has statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to north Tipperary, including the town of Thurles. Shannon Development has responsibility for the provision of industrial property solutions in the area. Its role in supporting indigenous enterprise will transfer to Enterprise Ireland under the new mandate granted by me to Shannon Development last year.

Initiatives undertaken by Shannon Development in the provision of property solutions include the development of the Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles and the acquisition of a 29 acre site in Roscrea with a view to developing a business park. IDA Ireland is actively marketing these facilities to potential clients through its network of overseas offices. IDA Ireland's sectoral emphasis in the mid-west region is on attracting new knowledge intensive projects in information communications and technology, globally traded businesses, medical technologies and life sciences.

Shannon Development, in association with local authorities, is also spearheading the drive to bring high speed Internet access to the region. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has recently approved funding for metropolitan area networks to be installed in each town, which should assist in attracting FDI and indigenous industry.

The Tipperary North County Enterprise Board is a source of support specifically for the micro-businesses sector. The role of the board is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and an enterprise culture within north Tipperary. This is done through both direct financial assistance and non-financial assistance. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, enterprises may qualify for support from the CEB primarily in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants, while there is a broad range of non-financial supports available such as mentoring, business advice, information, management development and training.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies in furtherance of their statutory functions, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Thurles and the wider north Tipperary area.