Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans his Department has for increased employment in County Mayo; his views on whether that infrastructure needs urgent upgrading to ensure increased employment in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8576/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. 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 actively 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. A high quality urban environment with a critical mass in population, skills and world-class access infrastructure, are critical to prospective investors when they are deciding where to locate.

In this regard, County Mayo will benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan. It is also vital that national investment is partnered with local vision and leadership and that private investment also plays a role.

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are working closely with local authorities, utility providers and others to maximise the attractiveness of Mayo in terms of meeting the needs of potential investors. To enhance the attractiveness of the County for new and expansion projects IDA Ireland is developing world class business parks in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport. With regard to the Ballina site I was pleased to hear recently that significant progress has been made by Mayo County Council in securing unburdened title to this 10.29 hectares site on the Sligo Road.

Enterprise Ireland is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. The overall aim of Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to transform Irish companies into market focused and innovation driven businesses and to increase their exports, sales and employment.

At the end of 2006, there were a total of 6,118 Enterprise Agency supported full time jobs in County Mayo. In addition, the Mayo County Enterprise Board (CEB) provides a source of support throughout Mayo for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. During 2006 Mayo CEB approved a total of €620,000 to 30 projects and paid out in the region of €440,000 in grant assistance to 29 projects, which resulted in the creation of 110 net jobs in CEB assisted companies throughout the county.