Republican News · Thursday 28 March 2002

Concerns raised over IDA policy in North Leitrim

North Leitrim Councillor Michael Colreavy and Sinn Féin general election candidate Sean MacManus have expressed concerns about the impact of current IDA policy on North Leitrim industry. IDA policy is to focus attention and effort on the larger population areas, because incoming investors want and need larger population bases, and the IDA facilitates such investors to maximise the number of jobs coming into the BMW region.

"I can understand the IDA's rationale in adopting this policy to maximise investment in the region," said MacManus, "but the impact on Manorhamilton and North Leitrim in general has to be considered. Manorhamilton has traditionally had a vibrant and successful industrial base. It currently has five significant industries employing several hundred workers - the majority of whom have set up home and live in North Leitrim. This policy by the IDA effectively means that companies expressing an interest in locating in the North West will be enticed to come to one of the larger centres of population. The attractions of setting up in an area such as Manorhamilton, with its proven industrial base, will not be presented as an option for consideration. To my mind, this is simply repeating locally the mistakes made at national level when all major industry was attracted to Dublin, which resulted in overcrowding, reduced quality of life and virtual traffic gridlock. I want to reassure the people of North Leitrim that, as TD for Sligo/Leitrim, I will fight to maintain and increase jobs in North Leitrim - and indeed, in South Leitrim."

Councillor Colreavy questioned how local industries could have confidence in an organisation that has effectively signaled they should be elsewhere. "Will local industries feel they are likely to receive a fair hearing if they apply for IDA or other state supports to expand their industry in North Leitrim?" he asked.