Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 419: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to towns (details supplied) in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/07]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

During the year 2006, there were thirteen site visits to Athlone and four site visits to Mullingar. There were no site visits to Longford.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), a key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. Counties Westmeath and Longford form part of the IDA Midlands Region together with counties Laois, Offaly and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in this region are the NSS Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the Agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. The region will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.

At present there are 3,320 people employed in twenty six IDA companies in Counties Westmeath and Longford. Competition for mobile FDI continues to intensify and Ireland is no longer a low labour cost environment. Companies seeking to invest in Ireland now are looking for a high quality urban environment with a critical mass in population and world-class access infrastructure. In addition, they are seeking third level educational infrastructure including Universities and Institutes of Technology that are located on, or close to, high quality Business and Technology Parks.

To meet this challenge, IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the skill-sets necessary to attract high value added employment. IDA is also working with FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill-sets needed by those already in the workforce.

I am confident that the policies and strategies in place will deliver the best results in terms of investment and jobs for the people of the Region.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 420: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties to Tullamore, County Offaly in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/07]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency. While I may give general policy directives to the agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

In the period January, 2006 to date, there have been a total of three site visit to Tullamore — one in March, 2006 and two in March, 2007.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), a key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. County Offaly forms part of the IDA Midlands Region together with Counties Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in this region are the NSS Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. The region will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.