Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 174: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to a meeting (details supplied) the progress made to date in addressing the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3190/09]

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

I am aware that since Minister Martin's meeting with Boyle Chamber of Commerce in April 2008, Enterprise Ireland is actively working with Boyle Chamber, the County Enterprise Board and the County Development Board regarding potential business development.

Enterprise Ireland has approved support for a total of six Community Enterprise Centres in County Roscommon. These Centres are located in Arigna, Ballaghadereen, Boyle, Castlerea, and two in Roscommon Town. Boyle Chamber of Commerce was approved €350,000 in 2006 for the construction of a Centre. The Chamber is in the process of applying for planning permission for the construction of the Centre.

IDA Ireland is also supporting enterprise development in the Midlands Region through its ongoing strategy of growing and embedding foreign direct investment activity. The agency is encouraging its client companies to add strategic functions to its Irish operations in areas such as R&D and marketing. There are opportunities here for indigenous companies in the areas of sub-supply and service provision.

Attracting FDI investments into Ireland is most competitive. Ireland now has to compete for more high value and skill-intensive investments than in the past. IDA Ireland in the Midlands competes with city regions in Ireland and worldwide for global investors to locate in this region. A large proportion of investments tend to favour the larger urban centres, close to Universities and Institutes of Technology. Combining the strengths of the Midlands Gateway is essential to boosting the Region's overall economic strength. The other towns, villages and rural areas all have complementary roles within that structure in achieving the aim of balanced regional development. Recent successes in the local area include:

Cameron Corporation announced in April 2008 that it is to significantly develop and expand its existing manufacturing and R&D facility in Longford town creating 140 high quality jobs over the next five years in engineering and support activities.

Harmac Medical employ over 180 skilled people at its Castlerea facility and celebrated their 10th Anniversary in September 2008.

Intertek BioClin's new, extended state of the art pharmaceutical laboratory facility in Athlone was officially opened in July 2008.

MBNA in Carrick-on-Shannon employs over 800 people in their facility.

Toucan in Sligo continues to grow and recruit personnel with employment over 140.

Innocoll Pharmaceuticals located its R&D and manufacturing centre in Roscommon.

Abbott Ireland Diagnostics now employs over 350 people in Longford and a further 1,000 people work in the Abbot plant in Sligo.

I would like to assure the Deputy that the State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department, will continue to work together to promote Boyle and its environs, in order to attract investment and to foster job creation in the area.