Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment opportunities that have been sought or are in the pipeline for Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill and Ballinamore, County Leitrim by Enterprise Ireland. [13953/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Enterprise Ireland is the lead Government agency responsible for the development of indigenous Irish enterprise. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in world markets. Enterprise Ireland delivers a wide range of supports to Irish companies, targeted at the specific requirements of clients throughout all regions to ensure that they develop to their full potential in terms of innovation and exports, which in turn stimulates job creation.

Enterprise Ireland is available to work with and support local entrepreneurs with commercial business plans and provides preferential funding for entrepreneurs and companies with detailed export plans who are expanding or establishing a business in Leitrim as part of the BMW Region. In January 2009, a two-night Enterprise Start Introduction workshop was held in Carrick-on-Shannon with 17 participants. A number of the participants were assigned a mentor to explore their business plans further, a number will progress to other programmes and a number were referred to Leitrim County Enterprise Board for further help. Additionally, a Growth Fund Briefing for existing companies in the area was held in January 2009 to help companies explore new growth potential.

Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of over €2.3 million under the various CEC Schemes in support of Community Enterprise Centres in Co Leitrim. These include Centres in Drumshanbo (the Food Hub and Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre), Carrick-on-Shannon (the Market Yard and Carrick-on-Shannon Business Park), Mohill, Drumkeerin, Ballinamore (Ballinamore Enterprise Centre and Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Enterprise Centre), Keshcarrigan and Manorhamilton (Manorhamilton Enterprise Centre and Manorhamilton Enterprise Forum.

Enterprise Ireland also works with Leitrim County Enterprise Board, Leitrim County Development Board and Leitrim CDB Economic Development Sub-Committee to enhance economic development within the county. To date in 2009 total funding to Enterprise Ireland clients in County Leitrim stands at €247,649.