M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1117: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made by the IDA to secure a tenant for the Business and Technology Park in Carlow currently owned by the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2290/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is committed to the development of County Carlow and is actively promoting Carlow Town for new foreign investment in international services and high value manufacturing activities.

IDA's strategy for Carlow is to market the town's strategic location close to Dublin which provides all of the advantages of an urban location along with the additional advantages of a readily available pool of skilled workers and excellent quality of life. Carlow's two third level colleges, the Institute of Technology Carlow and St. Patrick's College are critical to ensuring that Carlow and the region has a supply of highly qualified graduates and continues to develop educational and research capabilities to support existing and new investment.

IT Carlow has been very proactive in terms of establishing links with industry in the region. For example, it has developed a customised funds administration module as part of a Bachelor of Business Studies course in close co-operation with PFPC in Wexford. This course is delivered on site at its outreach campus in Wexford. This is the kind of relationship that IDA is strongly encouraging in third level institutes in the region.

The continued commitment by IDA Ireland to Carlow is evidenced by the development of the Flagship Business and Technology Park on the Dublin road, an investment of almost €11.5m to date. The Technology Park is part of a national network of high specification business parks throughout Ireland developed by IDA that will enhance the attractiveness of the gateways, hubs and county towns for overseas investment. A 17,600 sq ft Advance Office Building on the Technology Park with 100% expansion capability was completed in November 2005.

IDA is actively marketing the building and park through its network of overseas offices and has hosted a number of prospective investor visits to Carlow town. The Agency continues to actively engage with potential investors in co-operation with Carlow County Council, IT Carlow and Carlow Chamber of Commerce. While these visits have not yet resulted in a project for Carlow, IDA continues to promote the town and the Technology Park to potential investors, particularly in the international services and life sciences sectors.

IDA Ireland is actively working with the existing overseas companies in Carlow. IDA is also working closely with local groups, utility providers and other agencies to ensure the County has the appropriate infrastructure to enable these companies to grow and develop and to make the area sufficiently attractive for new investment projects.