Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Richard Bruton.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
substantial private sector funding, committed on a long term basis, would have been required
to make the business plan viable.
The owners of the Cork-to-Swansea service announced the end of the service on 2 February
2012. The effect that this outcome has had on the company’s employees, their families and the
local community as well as on business and tourism development in both Ireland and Wales is
very regrettable.
292. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the
plans the Industrial Development Agency has in place to entice enterprise and development
into County Meath in 2012. [8169/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): One of the targets
in IDA Ireland’s strategy document “Horizon 2020” is the creation of 62,000 direct jobs in 640
investment projects over the period 2010-2014, resulting in an additional 105,000 jobs overall
in the economy, with 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and
Cork. Central to IDA’s strategy is to build on existing regional strengths to ensure Ireland’s
economic development, while optimising regional spread, in line with the National Spatial
Strategy.
To achieve balanced regional development, IDA Ireland markets the Gateway locations
within each Region as areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub
locations which are within commuting distance of these Gateways. The East Region has one
Gateway (Dublin) and a number of large towns including Navan, Drogheda, Naas, Arklow and
Carlow and, as such, will continue to be a key location of focus for the winning of foreign
direct investment (FDI). As well as marketing the region for new Greenfield investment, IDA
Ireland continues to work with existing clients in encouraging them to broaden their mandate
and to continue to re-invest in their sites within the region.
The availability of cost effective and flexible private property solutions forms a central part
of IDA Ireland’s marketing efforts. The Agency has informed me that there are 16 IDA Ireland
supported companies in Co Meath employing approximately 1,300 people in key companies
such as Generali International, Welch Allyn and Europ Assist.
IDA has developed a significant Business Park at Johnstown in Navan and spent approximately
€3 million on developing and upgrading the park as and when required. Planning permission
has also been obtained for a 2,500 sq.m advance facility in the Business Park.
Globally the outlook for FDI continues to be challenging, but there are still investment
opportunities in global markets. IDA will continue to compete vigorously for these projects
for Ireland and will continue to promote the East Region in line with the objectives set out in
“Horizon 2020”.
Departmental Staff
293. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if
any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made
from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond
any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior
public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions
and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or
sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8274/12]
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