Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the efforts that have been undertaken by the Industrial Development Agency in west Cork over the past few months to incentivise job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9287/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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IDA's strategy document, entitled "Horizon 2020", sets out the Agency's targets for the period 2010 to 2014. The investment targets set out in this strategy include the creation of 105,000 new jobs in Ireland during that period and also includes a target of 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork.

The challenge in achieving an even spread of investment across the country as a whole is intensified as the sophistication of investments increase. Competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) comes not just from other countries, but from city regions with populations in excess of one million people. Dublin is the only recognised city region in Ireland that meets this criterion.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy, "Horizon 2020" places renewed emphasis on the "Gateway" regions, which are going to be critical growth areas in the future. Successful enterprise development and the creation of an attractive location are interdependent. Regions/Gateways that support strong and dynamic enterprise are crucial to Ireland's return to balanced economic growth. There are currently 130 IDA supported enterprises in Cork City and County employing 20,491 people.

In addition to attracting new investment to this country, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients to encourage the expansion of their operations. The Agency also continues to place a strong focus on transformation within client companies, and has continued to work with existing clients on upskilling programmes, investments in technology uplift and new process developments, in order to deepen their commitment to Ireland. This encourages further business in areas which are compatible with our skills base and which are sustainable within our economy in the longer term.

In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses. Typically, a company is shown three or four selected towns, which can meet its requirements for skills, labour, site and/or buildings, infrastructure, etc. While IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.