Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA jobs created in County Wexford on a yearly basis since 1997 to date in 2007; the way this compares on average with other counties here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9740/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated at county level. 2006 is the latest year for which such figures are available. The number of jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Wexford in each of the years from 1997 to 2006 is set out in the tables. The comparable data for the other counties in the South East Region, (i.e. Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary South), is also set out in that tabular statement.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland's strategy for County Wexford is to concentrate resources on the Hub town of Wexford as the location with the greatest potential to develop first class facilities for attracting overseas industry. Work on upgrading the 26 hectare Wexford Business and Technology Park, one of a network of flagship business parks nationwide, has just been completed. The Agency is also actively promoting New Ross, where an Advance Technology Building is available on the New Ross Industrial Estate. In addition, the County will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.

At the end of 2006, there were a total of 2,022 people working in 13 IDA supported companies in County Wexford, a slight increase on the figures for 2005. The County has a strong base of manufacturing companies, with the majority performing well in a challenging environment. IDA Ireland continues to be actively engaged with its existing base of manufacturing companies in Wexford, highlighting the importance of upskilling and the need to add high-value activities.

Over the last number of years IDA Ireland has been actively working to attract overseas companies in newer high-value sectors to Wexford and the profile of clients has been changing with Lake Region and Waters Corporation (Medical Technologies) and PFPC and Equifax (International Services) now firmly established in the county. The agency is committed to continue marketing Wexford as a location for knowledge-intensive industries. In addition, the agency is actively working with local partners such as Wexford County Council, Wexford Chamber of Commerce and the Wexford campus of Carlow Institute of Technology to develop the necessary infrastructure to attract industry.