Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to provide State funding for the Atlantic Way Project; the way in which the project will function and the manner in which it will differ from the Atlantic Technology Corridor Project and Shannon Development; if his attention has been drawn to concerns by trade unions representing staff at Shannon Development concerning a possible diminution in the role of that agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Atlantic Way Group is a movement comprised representatives of key private and public sector bodies, which seeks to maximise the development potential of the West by supporting and promoting best practice in every aspect. Its principal aim is to bring coherence, coordination and a sense of urgency to infrastructural development, excellent technological services, quality employment, lifelong education and quality of life.

Shannon Development facilitates and supports the Atlantic Way initiative, as it is consistent with the Company's focus on balanced regional development. This support includes a small financial amount, approved by Shannon Development as a support for the proposed launch of Atlantic Way and a range of practical non-financial supportive actions.

The Atlantic Technology Corridor (ATC) is a cluster of Information, Communications and Technology companies (ICT) and Medical Technology companies. The cluster comprises of about 270 companies employing over 22,000 people. Around two-thirds of the companies are Irish owned and the remainder are North American and European.

The ATC initiative is industry led, comprising senior executives from global and Irish technology companies and small & medium enterprise (SME) organizations. Research capability is provided by third level educational institutions in the corridor. The key objectives of fostering balanced regional development and improving international competitiveness had focused the minds of these leading technology company managers to conceive a "boundaryless" business gateway (initially counties Galway, Clare and Limerick) to sustain and develop the western seaboard's technology corridor. Adopting a collaborative approach to realising this vision the region would be branded, marketed and promoted as the Atlantic Technology Corridor. The initiative has the support of Shannon Development.

As I have indicated in response to previous Dail Questions, following detailed consultations with the Board of Shannon Development, other stakeholders and regional interests, on 28th July last I announced my decision on a future mandate for the Company. Under the terms of the new mandate, Shannon Development is being given a more focused regional economic remit that will complement the roles of the national agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, in attracting foreign direct investment and developing the indigenous enterprise base in the region. The Company will also continue to be responsible for providing appropriate property solutions for both indigenous and overseas enterprises throughout the Shannon region and for the management and development of the Shannon Free Zone Industrial Estate.

I am aware of the concerns of unions representing staff at Shannon Development and accordingly facilitated discussions between my Departmental officials and SIPTU to provide clarification sought by the union on aspects of my decision. I expect this process will be concluded shortly and this will facilitate the implementation of the new mandate in the best interests of Shannon Development and the region as a whole.