Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will urgently address the crisis situation in Ballina, County Mayo where the unemployment rate is twice the national average and in view of the fact that this town has lost 1000 jobs in recent years; the views on whether this situation needs to be addressed; the steps that he intends to take to address this; the steps the IDA are taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30243/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Unemployment is measured through the Quarterly National Household Survey as published by the Central Statistics Office. The Survey provides a breakdown of data on a regional basis only and not on specific towns. The most recent Survey data published in September shows that the national unemployment rate is 4.3%. The equivalent rate for the West region, which includes Ballina, is 4.2%.

Live register data is available for specific areas such as Ballina. However, it is not designed to measure unemployment. As well as showing the numbers claiming unemployment assistance and benefit it also includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers who would be entitled to unemployment benefit. In August of 2005 there were 1,605 people on the live register in Ballina. The most recent data available is for August of 2006, which shows that this number had fallen to 1,448.

State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies, and while I may give general policy directives to the agencies under the Industrial Development Acts, I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. I have been assured by the agencies under the remit of my Department that they are endeavouring to attract new investment, to encourage the start-up of new businesses, to grow existing businesses and to develop the labour market in County Mayo.

IDA Ireland is actively promoting Ballina for new foreign investment and since January 2003, there have been five first time site visits to Ballina. In addition IDA Ireland is actively working with the existing base of overseas companies in Ballina and Mayo to encourage them to grow and expand. The Agency is also working closely with local groups, utility providers, the local authorities in the county and other agencies to enhance the attractiveness of the county, including Ballina, for new investment and jobs. In that regard IDA Ireland has been deeply involved with local partners in the development of Regional Planning Guidelines.

IDA Ireland has had extensive discussion with Mayo County Council in relation to the Business & Technology Park on the Sligo Road in Ballina and are awaiting the contract documentation and a copy of unburden title from the Council.

I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by the agencies under the remit of my Department, together with the Governments commitment to regional development will continue to bear fruit in terms of the creation of sustainable development for the people of Ballina and of the West generally.