John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the IDA in County Sligo for each of the years 2002 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11299/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the period 2002 to 2006 a total of 790 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Sligo. Details of the number of jobs created in each of those years is set out in the following tabular statement.

A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. The Agency's strategy for Sligo has been to promote the County as part of an integrated North West region with a population base of 236,656 (Census 2006). The Agency's focus is on the Gateway town of Sligo and the linked Gateway of Letterkenny-Derry.

Sligo has traditionally been a centre of manufacturing. However, over recent years it has proved challenging to maintain investment in this sector in the County as much of this investment globally is going to low cost destinations such as Eastern Europe and China. As a result of this locational shift in global manufacturing Sligo experienced a number of closures and downsizings. Despite this, there are approximately 2,450 people in full time employment in 21 IDA Ireland-supported companies in Sligo.

IDA Ireland is marketing Sligo as a key location for investment in the following sectors: Medical Technologies, Globally Traded Business and Financial Services. In addition, the Agency is working closely with educational institutions in the Sligo region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the County. The Agency is also working with utility and infrastructure providers to develop the enterprise environment and with FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill-sets needed by those in the workforce.