Written answers

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Job Creation

11:00 pm

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she will take in relation to bringing new industry to County Mayo in view of the new live register figures released (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter . [ 23617/08 ]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings, or from giving preference to one area over others.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy IDA Ireland seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Mayo through the linked hubs of Ballina and Castlebar, as well as the town of Westport. The Agency aims to attract new knowledge intensive projects in the Medical Technologies, Life Sciences, Information Communications Technology and International Services sectors. In addition, the Agency works with its' existing base of overseas companies in County Mayo to encourage them to grow and expand. A successful outcome of this approach has been the announcement, last November, by Baxter International Inc, a world leading healthcare company, of its intention to invest more than €75 million over a six year period as part of a strategic programme to introduce new technologies and higher value products to its manufacturing plants in Castlebar and Swinford. In total, there are over 3,000 people employed in IDA supported companies in County Mayo.

In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland activity is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies and the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies. The overall aim of Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to transform Irish companies into market focused and innovation driven businesses to increase their exports, sales and employment. Enterprise Ireland works with 124 client companies in County Mayo, which employ a total of 3,155 people in the county.

In addition, the Mayo County Enterprise Board (CEB) provides a source of support throughout Mayo for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer.

I am satisfied that co-operation of the agencies on the ground together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of enterprise and job creation for the people of Mayo.

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