Vol. 470 No. 7
233 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the numbers of firms set up in County Donegal in 1996; the types and locations of these firms; the number of associated jobs created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19763/96]
234 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of firms which have closed in County Donegal to date in 1996; the types and locations of these firms; the number of associated jobs lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19764/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
To date in 1996 a total of eight new firms were established in County Donegal. Of these, five were assisted by the county enterprise board in the manufacturing, specialist services and crafts sectors. They are located in Carndonagh, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Burtonport and Donegal town. The projects have resulted in the creation of eight full-time and two part-time jobs.
The other three firms were only recently established with Forbairt assistance. Two are in the food sector and one in the engineering sector. When fully established it is expected that they will create 46 jobs.
While to date in 1996, no new overseas companies have established in Donegal, IDA Ireland also stimulates and supports the expansion of existing companies in the area. A number of firms like Unifi and Abbott Laboratories continue to expand and new jobs have been created in these companies in 1996.
To date, in 1996 two overseas assisted companies closed in Donegal as follows: Donegal Rubber Ltd., Ballyshannon, and Strongbelt (Ireland), Letterkenny. At their peak these companies employed 160 and 13 people, respectively. Both companies were engaged in the manufacture of rubber components for the automotive industry.
Forbairt, IDA Ireland and Donegal County Enterprise Board are continuing to work hard to promote industrial development in County Donegal.
