Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her strategic plan in regard to the industrial and commercial development of the south-east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40448/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Industrial Development agencies namely IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, together with the County and City Enterprise Boards, are responsible for the development of the south east region insofar as my Department is concerned.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland is focussed on advancing the economic development of the region primarily through the Gateway of Waterford City and the hubs of Kilkenny City and Wexford town and the county towns of Carlow, Clonmel and Dungarvan. Key to IDA Ireland's strategy for the region is progressing the development of a knowledge-based economy so that the region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. The key sectors being targeted are Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Information and Communication Technologies and International/Financial Services. The agency also continues to work with its existing clients both to broaden their mandate in Ireland and to re-invest in their facilities. Furthermore, the agency strongly encourages client companies to invest in Research and Development and provides a comprehensive R&D package to support this activity.

Enterprise Ireland's key activity is focused around supporting clients and helping them grow their exports in particular. A range of supports is available to clients throughout the region from capital to management development along with access to Enterprise Ireland's thirty two offices around the world. As part of an initiative to encourage new start-ups in the region, Enterprise Ireland supports the Enterprise Platform Programme — a one-year incubation programme designed to provide hands-on support and management development for entrepreneurs wanting to set up their own business — by funding eligible participants to attend. There are currently two EPP programmes in the south east.

The development of community based Enterprise Centres is a crucial part of the drive to create new regional enterprise. Enterprise Ireland has a fund of €21m for the entire country for a period from 2007-2009. Previously, Enterprise Ireland provided support which led to the creation of 14 Community Enterprise Centres in the South East. This year's call for funding was very successful for the region. The total amount awarded nationwide was just over €11m and €2.1m of that was awarded to the South East. Enterprise Ireland has also provided €2.54m for the construction of an Incubation Centre at the Waterford Institute of Technology and €1.417m for a Centre at Carlow Institute of Technology. In addition, these colleges have been given €313,000 towards the management of the Centres. The agency has also been actively involved over the last three years in the Spirit of Enterprise Initiative which is a regional forum to assist in the growth of entrepreneurship. An 'Enterprise Week' was held in both 2007 and 2008. This involved a range of events throughout the region to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship.

The CEBs provide support for micro-enterprises. They continue to support enterprise development through the provision of both direct financial assistance (in the form of capital, feasibility and employment grants) and through indirect or soft support assistance such as management development, capability support and the development and delivery of activities to highlight and promote enterprise.

The development of the region also involves various other interests including Local Authorities, Chambers of Commerce and private sector interests. There is also a close relationship with the Industrial Training agency FAS to ensure that the requirements of industry, particularly in the area of training and upskilling, are being met. I am aware that all interests in the region, both public and private, are working together to promote the south east and I am confident that they will continue to do so in order to bring about continued development in the area.