Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State aided jobs which have been created in County Wicklow since 1998; the breakdown of same by job description and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2664/09]

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

Between 1998 and 2008, a total of 8,396 jobs were created by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in County Wicklow. There were 5,497 manufacturing jobs. International Services accounted for 2,493 and the remaining 406 were in various other areas including agriculture and forestry for example. Employment data in respect of companies supported by these agencies are collated by Forfás on a County by County basis. Between 1998 and 2007, over 400 jobs were created by Wicklow County Enterprise Board. Figures for 2008 are not yet available in relation to the CEB. I am confident that the efforts of the two agencies and the CEB will continue to attract industrial development and jobs to the County.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has carried out research into possible job creation in support of industries that will reuse and recycle waste materials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2694/09]

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

At present, Enterprise Ireland supports waste recycling and waste management companies particularly through its Growth Fund, Investment Fund or Research and Development Fund. Current initiatives include the establishment by EI of a dedicated CleanTech Department to support an expanding portfolio of companies covering the Waste, Water, Energy and Services sub-sectors. This team is being resourced to address the needs and challenges arising. In addition, the agency's GreenTech Support package helps client companies take advantage of the opportunities presented by integrating environmental sustainability into their businesses.

In addition, a recent study undertaken by Forfás and Inter-Trade Ireland identified opportunities across a range of areas in the environment goods and services, including the waste sector. There are openings for those enterprises that can provide equipment, consultancy services and, in particular, develop innovative technologies in the areas of waste collection and disposal. Such technologies and services will make for more efficient and cost effective operations.

Prospects are good for companies that can meet the strong market demand for recovered materials such as plastics and metals. This is especially so where the activity can be carried out on a larger scale, producing a higher quality final material for recycling. In the area of transforming waste into energy, opportunities exist for companies providing innovative systems that utilize new and existing technologies to produce energy as well as a range of application fuels (e.g. gas, biomass fuel) and secondary products (e.g. compost) from waste materials. Renewable energy companies are becoming increasingly involved in the waste industry indicating the future growth potential for this sector. I am confident we can look forward to significant job creation in the areas identified.