Vol. 478 No. 1
14 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the proposals, if any, he has to offset the job losses which will occur at a number of plants in County Cavan, as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 366 of 25 March 1997 by Deputy Brendan Smith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10594/97]
As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question, I share his concern about proposed developments in the companies concerned. As also indicated then, Ireland is not immune from the pressures of open market competition and we must expect a certain level of negative as well as positive change in the numbers employed in individual companies as they react and adjust to these pressures.
The recent announcement of an additional 129 jobs in Pauwels Trafo in Cavan town is, however, a positive development for the area and, to enhance the attractiveness of the area to potential investors, IDA Ireland is progressing the following developments from within its property budget. Negotiations have recently concluded between Cavan County Council and IDA Ireland to acquire a 40 acre site in Cavan town. IDA Ireland intends to make an application for planning permission for site development works on the 40 acre site for the development of a new business park in Cavan town — the application for planning permission will be submitted in the near future. A privately financed advance factory will be constructed on the business park. Tendering for this work is expected to commence shortly.
On 3 March last the Taoiseach announced that the Carton Group, which currently employs over 400 people in various locations in Cavan and throughout the country, was approved for assistance by Forbairt towards an expansion of its activities. This expansion will enable the group to compete effectively with imports in a highly competitive free trade environment and to increase its penetration of export markets. The success of this strategic investment is crucial to the future of the whole Carton Group. This development plan is projected to increase group employment by approximately 100 over the next three years.
Last week I announced the creation of 315 jobs in 11 different companies in the north-east region. The total Forbairt backed regional investment in new and expanding industry is approximately £10 million. One of the companies involved is Foamalite Limited, Lough Gowan, County Cavan. This was established in January 1997 and produces freefoam PVC sheeting for sale in both the Irish and UK markets. It will employ 38 people in Lough Gowna.
These are examples of positive industrial developments in County Cavan. I recognise the need for this positive trend to continue and be reinforced in the county. I have asked the development agencies under my Department to do everything they can to exploit all opportunities that arise for further development and employment creation. Allied to projected growth in tourism and other service sectors, I am confident that recent losses will be more than offset by job gains in the period immediately ahead.
