Máirín Quill
Question:34 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, being taken to find a replacement industry for Cork Crown which closed with the loss of 110 jobs in December 1996. [2919/97]
Written Answers. - Industrial Development.
At the time of the announcement of the closure of this company in November last, I made contact with the parent company in the USA to discuss the pending closure. They made it clear to me that, while the decision to close was irreversible, the facility in Cork would be made available at a reasonable cost. During these discussions, I also emphasised the importance of agreeing an acceptable redundancy programme with the employees.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that manufacturing at the Cork plant has ceased, there are presently over 30 people remaining during the final winding down period, and that a redundancy programme was successfully finalised with the workers.
IDA Ireland has been promoting the facility to potential investors and a number of potential clients have viewed the facility. The other development agencies are also fully aware of the need to attract new industry to the area. I assure the Deputy that all efforts will be made to find a replacement industry.
I am encouraged by the considerable attractions of the Cork region for business investment. Since November, projects in five IDA companies have been announced with the capacity to create 1,000 new jobs. This will build on the strong employment performance of both indigenous and overseas companies in Cork in the past two years.