The creation of jobs in any particular location in this country has been entrusted to the industrial development agencies. This is part and parcel of their day to day operations in which I have no function.
I understand that the decision to close Donegal Rubber was taken despite intensive top level meetings in Germany between the company's senior executives and IDA representatives. The closure of this enterprise was unfortunately part of an overall restructuring plan which also included substantial job cuts at other sister plants in Germany.
IDA Ireland has an intensive promotional campaign under way to attract new industry to the town as quickly as possible, not only for the Donegal Rubber plant but also for a number of 3,000 sq. ft. units, together with an 11 acre serviced site in Ballyshannon, which taken together or separately will assist in the marketing of the area for industrial development purposes.