Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

294. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the outcome of his recent meeting with the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce on 22 May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26013/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The meeting was held in my Department on Thursday 21 May. The Drogheda delegation included the CEO of Louth Local Authority, as well as representatives of Drogheda Chamber of Commerce. The number of additional jobs created by companies supported by my Department through EI and IDA in Louth in the period 2011 – 2014 was 1,775 (a 27% increase), while the Louth LEO supported the creation of 66 additional new jobs (an 11% increase) in 2014.

With regard to the further development of the Mill Enterprise Hub, the release of the balance of the grant approved by Enterprise Ireland for the Mill is contingent on there being matching funding in place. To facilitate the group Enterprise Ireland has granted a two year time extension, up to August 2018, for the final drawdown of the grant.

The meeting also discussed issues relating to the Scotch Hall Centre, Boyne House and the IDA Business Park on the outskirts of Drogheda. IDA Ireland will continue to market these facilities through its network of overseas offices to potential investors.

In addition, I outlined that my Department has been working on the preparation of an Action Plan for Jobs for the Border region as part of the drive to increase the level of job creation across the country. Eight Regional Action Plans will be delivered this year, building on the success of the national Action Plan for Jobs process, which has contributed to the creation of over 100,000 new jobs since 2012. Significant progress has been made in preparing the Action Plan for the Border region, in consultation with key stakeholders there, and I look forward to launching it in due course.

I fully understand the concerns of the delegation and my Department and its Agencies will continue our work to ensure that job creation is pursued vigorously.