asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that a firm (details supplied) in County Louth is closing down with the loss of 74 jobs; if he is further aware that the number of people employed in manufacturing industry in Drogheda has already fallen by 520 between November 1982 and November 1983; and in view of this catastrophic fall in the number of jobs in manufacturing industry in Drogheda, the plans he has to immediately provide for this very grave situation.
Written Answers. - Drogheda Industrial Employment.
349.
I am aware of the serious unemployment situation in Drogheda and in particular the impending closure of this company.
The Industrial Development Authority, in co-operation with the company, has been endeavouring to establish a takeover of the Drogheda plant over the past two years and its efforts in this regard are continuing.
The IDA is actively promoting the 28,000 sq. ft. advance factory provided by private finance and its 31 acres of industrial land available in Drogheda. It is also promoting part of the former Centronics factory for a suitable project. In addition the IDA plans to provide five incubator units, each of 750 sq. ft., for the development of local small industrial projects.