James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the activity taking place between his Department, the Iindustrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland to bring employment opportunities to County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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At present companies supported by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland employ over 2,100 people in permanent employment in County Longford.

As Ireland competes for high quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population, a pool of qualified talent, world standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services. Against this backdrop, IDA Ireland has informed me that it prioritises the marketing of Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass. Longford is marketed as part of the Midland Region together with Laois, Offaly Westmeath and Roscommon. In this region, IDA concentrates on the linked gateway of Athlone/Tullamore/ Mullingar. The Agency also promotes the towns of Longford, Portlaoise and Roscommon as part of its wider marketing efforts and in response to specific client requirements.

At present there are 44 IDA client companies employing over 5,000 people in the Midlands Region. IDA Ireland has formed strong relationships with these companies, working closely with them in order to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development, broadening of their mandate and continuing re-investment in their sites. With the improved infrastructure that is now in place, a project win in one Midlands location has a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations.

In 2012 Enterprise Ireland paid €1.3m to its client companies in Longford for job creation and retention and business development purposes. On 31 October last my colleague, Mr John Perry, T.D, Minister for Small Business, launched the new Enterprise Ireland €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund aimed at stimulating start ups and creating jobs and growth in the Midlands Region (Counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath). This fund, which provides up to €25,000 per project, was open until 20th November 2012. 31 companies/individuals applied for the Competitive Feasibility Fund, 28 were eligible and 9 were approved for funding, of which 2 were from County Longford.

Both IDA and Enterprise Ireland are represented on the Longford County Development Board.