Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 81: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will carry out a special review of the job creation needs of Tallaght, Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Tallaght is the third largest population centre here with a very young population and has lost a number of important jobs in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21543/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the significance of the recent job losses for Tallaght and every effort is being made to create new employment opportunities in the area. At present, IDA Ireland is working with its existing client base to help them to further develop their businesses as well as providing world-class property solutions with supporting infrastructure. The development of the Grangecastle Business Park, combined with the development of the City West Business Park, will ensure that Tallaght and the surrounding area is an attractive location for investment. The Microsoft Corporation has selected Grangecastle for its new data centre and Wyeth Biopharma has announced that it is investing in the creation of dedicated Research and Development and process development facilities.

Enterprise Ireland's activity in Tallaght is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies. Enterprise Ireland activity, in terms of job creation, is focused on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies, and the creation of new jobs by supporting entrepreneurs to set up High Potential Start-Up Companies.

EI supports the provision of incubation space for start up companies and works towards enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level by supporting research in companies and third level institutions. The M50 Enterprise Platform Programme is underway in the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, in conjunction with Blanchardstown Institute of Technology and Dublin City University. This is a one-year rapid incubation programme designed for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business. The agency works closely with the Tallaght Institute of Technology in encouraging the commercialisation of research and has approved financial support of over €2.6m to the Institute for the development and management of a Campus based Incubation Centre. The agency has also approved support of €1.2m for a Centre of Excellence at the Institute, the focus of which is Microsensors for Clinical Analysis.

The role of South Dublin County Enterprise Board is to provide both financial and non-financial support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship. The South Dublin County Enterprise Board remains central in assisting micro-enterprises to develop their growth potential and continues to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximize entrepreneurial development throughout 2008. I can assure you that the Industrial Development agencies will continue to promote and market Tallaght in order to bring about further job creation in the area.