Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Industrial Development

10:00 pm

Photo of Luke FlanaganLuke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider buying a factory (details supplied) at Boyle, County Roscommon, and making it available to a new processor or to several new start-ups within the food processing sector. [17992/11]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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1In relation to the factory referred to, I am informed that Enterprise Ireland has been monitoring the situation closely and continues to actively pursue a replacement enterprise for these particular premises. I have been further advised that the company has advertised the premises for sale.

While Enterprise Ireland has no property portfolio, it did approve financial support for Community Enterprise Centres in five locations in Co. Roscommon including Arigna, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Roscommon Town. While Boyle Chamber of Commerce was approved funding for the construction of an Enterprise Centre, the Chamber advised that work on their project had been delayed indefinitely in 2009. Subsequently, Boyle Chamber of Commerce reviewed their plans and a revised proposal for the purchase of an existing building in Boyle was received by Enterprise Ireland. This revised plan has now been approved and approval has been given for eligible expenditure towards the development of an Enterprise Centre in Boyle, which will provide enterprise space for small companies. While funding was approved for a Community Enterprise Centre in Castlerea, I am informed that the promoters have now reviewed their project and are now pursuing a lease/purchase arrangement which may not be eligible for EI funding.

Currently, Enterprise Ireland (EI) activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and Third Level institutions. At present, there are over 60 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Roscommon, employing almost 1,200 people and in 2010 the agency approved over €1.5m for client companies in the county.

The creation of jobs in Roscommon is also supported by the activities of the Roscommon CEB through a series of programmes and both financial and non-financial assistance are available to a project promoter. In 2010, Roscommon CEB provided over €340,000 to 16 projects and assisted more than 500 people in their training and mentoring programmes. During 2011, the Board has continued to support enterprise development in Boyle and throughout the County and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.

In relation to potential Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) based job creation for the area, IDA Ireland's strategy for Roscommon is to promote the County as part of an integrated Midlands Region. In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA is committed to marketing the County town of Roscommon as a location for FDI. To this end, IDA Ireland works closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the best fit between their programs and the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county. At present, there are six IDA Ireland-supported companies in Roscommon employing approximately 755 people.

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