asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline his plans for the development of the food industry in the north Cork area, in view of the traditional importance of the food industry in that area and the number of job losses in the food industry in this region over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - North Cork Food Industry.
31.
Plans for the development of the food industry in the north Cork area will follow the general policy guidelines as laid down in the strategy document published last year by the Industrial Development Authority. North Cork has a strong tradition in the food industry, particularly in consumer based products and a recently published consumer survey identified a number of new food products with potential for growth. Some of these products have potential for displacing imported foods as well.
Implementation of the IDA's food strategy guidelines will lead to the creation of an estimated 5,000 new direct jobs in the food processing sector, additional annual exports of £350 million and substantial spin-off employment in many other areas of the economy, but especially in agriculture and related services.
I am sure that the food industry in North Cork will share in this expansion and that the opportunities to develop the industry in that area will be fully exploited.