John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 314: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of factories in the city and County of Waterford, on which the Industrial Development Agency has long term lease agreements, which are empty; the cost to the State of long-term lease agreements for these premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28737/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Industrial Development Acts, the management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. I am informed by the IDA that there are 6 units in the Waterford Industrial Estate on which the Agency has long term lease agreements, and which are currently available for use. A list of these units indicating their floor area is set out in the following tabular statement.

The amount due on the balance of the leases of these 6 properties is €1,459,642. However, it is anticipated that a number of these properties will be occupied or redeveloped during that period, which has the potential to reduce this liability. It is a critical part of IDA Ireland's strategy that a portfolio of buildings be continuously available for its clients and those of Enterprise Ireland.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 315: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the inter-agency forum which was set up following the closure of a company (details supplied) in County Waterford continues to exist; if it succeeded in developing indigenous industry in the wake of the closure; the number of people gaining employment as a result of their activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28738/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The agenda of the inter-agency forum continues to be addressed by the Economic sub-Group of Waterford County Development Board which was established to direct economic development in County Waterford. The sub-Group includes elected representatives and representatives of business and the Development agencies. In addition, Waterford County Council continues to employ a dedicated Economic Development Officer.

I am aware that a fund of €700,000 has been put together for an Enterprise Centre in Dungarvan. This sum includes €300,000 from Enterprise Ireland. A site for the Centre has been offered by Waterford County Council and the design and planning of the Centre are progressing.

In relation to the development of indigenous industry in County Waterford, Enterprise Ireland continues to offer its range of supports to its client companies in the County. In addition, the agency works closely with the County Enterprise Board, the County Development Board and the South East Enterprise Platform Programme at Waterford Institute of Technology to promote entrepreneurship and, in particular, the formation of High Potential Start Up (HPSU) companies in County Waterford. I understand two such companies, employing 23 people, have located in Dungarvan. I should point out that there was also a major IDA Ireland job announcement from the United States for Dungarvan in April of this year. A total of 100 new jobs will be created in the town by Microchem Lancaster Laboratories.

At the time of the closure, the Industrial Training agency FÁS led an employment / training group to respond to the needs of the workers who were losing their jobs. In my reply of 7 November, 2007, to a similar question from the Deputy, I was able to say that of the 405 people directly affected by the closure, only a small number remained on the Live Register.

I look forward to continued economic development and further job creation in Dungarvan and County Waterford generally in the coming years.