Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA initiated visits of potential investors or companies to Ballinasloe over each of the past four years in an effort to bring jobs to this town following job losses during the past decade; the dates of these visits; the result of discussions which have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35663/07]

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA initiated visits of potential investors or companies to Gort over each of the past four years in an effort to bring jobs to this town following job losses during the past decade; the dates of these visits; the result of discussions which have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35761/07]

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA initiated visits of potential investors or companies to Tuam over each of the past four years in an effort to bring jobs to this town following job losses during the past decade; the dates of these visits; the result of discussions which have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35762/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230, 235 and 236 together.

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment 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 Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

I have been informed by the Agency that in the period 2004 to date in 2007, there has been a combined total of 16 visits by potential investors to the towns of Ballinasloe, Gort and Tuam. Details of these visits are set out in the tabular statement. Discussions with existing or prospective client companies are an operational matter for the Agency and are treated as confidential. However, one of these visits resulted in the establishment of a research, marketing and distribution facility by USCI in Ballinasloe. This facility currently employs in the region of 70 people.

A central goal for Government is the achievement of balanced regional development. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for achievement of this goal through the prioritisation of development and investment in gateway and hub locations. Under the NSS, Galway City is designated as a Gateway and Tuam is designated as a hub town. Both locations together with Ballinasloe are priority locations in Galway for the Agency.

Despite increasing competition, Galway County and City continue to be very successful in winning Foreign Direct Investment. There are 50 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County employing almost 10,000 people in permanent jobs with a further 2,000 in temporary and contract jobs. Indeed, over the last three years employment trends show a continuing gradual increase in IDA supported employment.

In addition, IDA Ireland is investing significantly in the provision of planned and focused property solutions in the West region. IDA is developing world class Business and Technology Parks in Oranmore, Tuam, Ballinasloe, and Parkmore.

I am confident that the strategies being pursued by IDA together with the roll out of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will continue to bear fruit in terms of investment and job creation for the people of Galway.