Negotiations for the sale of the Atlantic Mills site, for a new textile operation, to an interested party did not succeed. IDA has now actively resumed marketing the Atlantic Mills facility in Longford. A new marketing programme is under way through IDA's network of overseas offices.
I established the Longford interagency group in December 1998 following the closure of Atlantic Mills at Clondra. The group is examining the issues that require attention in order to enhance Longford's potential to attract further overseas investment. Longford is a priority location for IDA who are working closely with the inter-agency group and with local business and community interests to actively market Longford for inward investment. IDA is confident that success will be achieved in the county in the coming year. My announcement on 16 February 2000 of Donnelly Electronics' intention to establish a manufacturing operation at Longford is a very positive development for the region.