I thank the Chair for selecting this matter. I take this opportunity to wish Coca Cola and the people of Ballina, County Mayo, every future success in the proposed development of the £100 million facility there. I congratulate Forbairt for attracting the project to Ireland.
The context in which I raise this issue is that for approximately the past 20 years Wexford County Council has owned a large 90 acre site on the banks of the River Slaney at Edermine, which is situated south of Enniscorthy on the Wexford road. I understand that discussions took place at the initiative of Coca Cola in respect of its interest in this site. This developed to the extent that a new access bridge to the site, a price for the site and an all-in package were negotiated. The company considered three sites: Drina, Wexford; Edermine, Enniscorthy and Ballina. The people in Wexford who negotiated with Coca Cola believed that every need had been met in terms of the company's requirements.
I am familiar with the procedures followed in such cases because the food division and Forbairt's responsibility in that area falls under the control of the Department of Agriculture and Food. As the previous Minister, I had knowledge of the type of cases that came through the pipeline which are unusual. Unlike the IDA, which deals with two to three dozen such cases per year, this is a rare case and a prized, prestigious jewel to obtain. Everyone is aware that cases involving grants of over £1 million to £2 million must go before Cabinet. It seems that priority was given to Ballina at the highest political level. I understand the reasons for this, particularly in light of the closure of the Asahi plant. Unfortunately, however, Wexford lost out.
Enniscorthy is in the process of rejuvenation with £30 million of investment arising out of urban renewal and other State and private sector investment. The people of the town are disappointed and they feel let down on the basis that a low proportion of the local workforce is employed in the manufacturing industry. That proportion is one of the lowest in the country. However, because there has not been a high profile factory closure in the county it is losing out in priority. There is also a belief that the Government parties have two safe seats in the Wexford constituency and would neither lose nor gain in an election. Therefore, no priority is attached to the constituency.
Enniscorthy has ideal facilities in terms of heavy water utilisation on the River Slaney and, in the current atmosphere of escalating property prices, a cheap site. Unfortunately, however, there are no parties interested in locating in the town. I raise this issue to seek a commitment from Forbairt and the Government that location of the next suitable project of this kind at Edermine will be given favourable consideration.
I cannot overemphasise what 1,000 construction jobs, 150 full-time jobs at the Coca Cola plant and 150 full-time ancillary jobs would mean to the regeneration of County Wexford. In light of the decentralisation programme, I am aware that the officials of the Department of Agriculture and Food are supportive of the county in every way. I cannot understand how they would have allowed the plant to be situated in another part of the country.
I call for full clarification of the political pressure exerted regarding the choice of location in this case. I understand the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moffatt, is claiming credit in Ballina for his great works and deeds in ensuring that the Tánaiste and he delivered this project. I understand Deputy Cooper-Flynn is also in the queue claiming credit on local radio for this. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Deputy Browne in Enniscorthy is left with nothing but a vacant site and howls of complaint from his constituents regarding how they were left high and dry. I will not belabour the issue but, given that this horse has bolted, I hope the Minister of State can give a commitment that the next suitable project of this kind will be located at Edermine.
