Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts of the Industrial Development Authority over the past two years to attract investment to Dunmanway, County Cork and the surrounding area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44662/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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While IDA Ireland's primary role is the attraction of high quality FDI to Ireland, an integral and fundamental element of this role is the Agency's mandate to promote sustainable and balanced regional development. However, 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 Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

The National Spatial Strategy provides a backdrop for IDA's regional strategy and the alignment of these strategies is endorsed in the current NDP. As part of this strategy IDA is actively promoting the South West region (which includes locations such as Dunmanway, Bandon, Macroom, Millstreet, Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bantry) to prospective investors across the full range of IDA targeted sectors. There are currently 134 IDA assisted companies in County Cork employing in excess of 20,000 people. There are several IDA client companies located throughout the West Cork area in sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) and Internationally Traded Services.

West Cork does benefit from the presence of foreign direct investment in the broader region. The challenge is to mobilise resources and stakeholders on a regional, rather than on a purely local basis, so as to compete effectively with other city regions. While IDA Ireland continues to host company visits across the region, ultimately it is the investor who decides where to locate.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Industrial Development Authority operate a policy with regard to the relocation of supported companies within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44663/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) 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 Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

IDA Ireland works with its existing clients to support the growth, development and mandate extension of their existing operations in Ireland. Their focus is to grow the scale, employment and economic impact of its clients.

IDA may provide financial assistance to companies wishing to locate in Ireland or expand their existing operation in Ireland. The unique characteristics of any proposed project will determine the incentive package, if any, that may be available, taking account of the EU Regional aid rules. While IDA has an objective to promote balanced regional development, ultimately, in respect of each investment, the client makes the final decision on where to locate.

The policy with regards to the provision of grant support for existing clients is that it is made available for expansion projects, taking account of the contingent grant liability associated with the existing base employment level, the individual characteristics of the project and the proposed location of the investment.