Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Industrial Development.

Paul McGrath

Question:

70 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress, if any, made by the task force appointed arising from the closure of Tarkett Ireland Limited, Mullingar, County Westmeath, to find a new industry for this extensive plant; the further meetings, if any, she has had with this task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24667/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I met with the members of the Mullingar inter-agency task force at its inaugural meeting on 29 October 1998 and requested the chairman to keep me informed of progress.

The task force has been focusing on the twin tasks of finding replacement industry and undertaking a skills assessment of the redundant workers and since its work is progressing well, the need for further direct involvment on my part has not arisen.

In this regard, IDA Ireland, as part of its active marketing programme, has generated three site visits to the facility. The size of the facility, approximately 360,000 sq. ft. on over 120 acres, will be a significant challenge in securing potential overseas investment but the agency is strongly committed to its focused marketing programme aimed at securing new jobs and overseas investment for the Mullingar area. In addition, FÁS will be conducting a comprehensive programme to meet the requirements of the Tarkett workforce over the coming weeks.