Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 71: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of green field foreign direct investment which has been attracted to the Border Midland Western region in the past five years; the steps he is taking to increase investment in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31933/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to increase industrial investment in the Border Midland Western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31939/06]

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

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of green field foreign direct investment which has attracted to the Border Midland Western region in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31938/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 72 and 79 together.

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland. Under the Industrial Development Acts I am precluded from giving directives to the Agency regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

Last year 32% of Greenfield FDI projects approved were for the BMW region and the attached tabular statement sets out the percentage of greenfield FDI projects which have been approved for the BMW Region in each of the five years from 2001 to 2005.

One of the key objectives of IDA Ireland's strategy under the current National Development Programme 2000-2006, has been to encourage more balanced regional development. To support and enhance the promotion of the BMW region, the Agency has substantially increased its land portfolio in the region and upgraded the scale, resources and management responsibility of its regional offices.

The Agency also believes its policy of working closely with a wide range of other organisations at local and regional levels such as Local Authorities, utility providers, educational institutes, and private developers to enhance the attractiveness of individual areas for new greenfield investments or expansion projects will continue to deliver results in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of the BMW region.

Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate are taken by the investors and IDA Ireland can only advise and market the attractions of potential sites.