Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. further to Parliamentary Question 390 of 26 June 2007, the strategies and programmes of the development agencies currently in place in or on behalf of the Waterford constituency in regard to the development of productive and sustainable employment for the people of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18980/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A key element of IDA Ireland's strategy for Waterford is to progress the development of a knowledge-based economy so that the County and particularly the Gateway of Waterford can compete both nationally and internationally for quality and sustainable foreign direct investment. The Agency recognises that significant progress has taken place in recent years and a number of major infrastructural projects will help to strengthen its position.

In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards focus on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing innovation capability.

These Agencies have a range of client services and financial products in place to respond to the needs of existing and new client companies.

IDA Ireland aims to provide world-class property solutions of scale together with supporting infrastructure in the Waterford City area in the County town of Dungarvan. The Agency is working with local development partner agencies in Co. Waterford to advance critical infrastructure, both hard and soft, which will contribute to a sustainable business environment for the long term. IDA Ireland is also working closely with FÁS and third level educational institutes in the region so that the skill sets necessary to attract high value-added employment to the County are being identified and developed.

Since the beginning of 2004 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €6.35m and made payments of over €4.78m to its client companies in the County in support of development projects in areas such as R&D, Capability Building and Process Development. Enterprise Ireland also offers a range of services including business and marketing advice and mentoring, as well as incubation space.

In addition the Waterford County and City Enterprise Boards provide assistance to small enterprises employing less than 10 people by providing employment and capital grants as well as grants for feasibility studies. The Boards provide soft supports such as business advice, management and E-commerce training.

The National Spatial Strategy Gateways have the potential to accelerate growth in their regions. I am confident that strategic local planning, prudent national and local investment in the provision of key infrastructure, a dynamic and innovative role for the private sector and local leadership can deliver this growth for the people of Waterford and its region.