The inter-agency task force set up to deal with the impact of the closure of Krupps is now in full operation and focusing on securing alternative jobs for the workers and addressing their retraining needs. Finding a replacement industry for Limerick is also a key priority.
I am aware that FÁS has held a series of meetings with the company and a strategy has been agreed to undertake a training requirement analysis with a view to identifying job placement opportunities. IDA Ireland has commenced an intensive marketing programme of Limerick and its resources and I expect to see the beginning of a response to this campaign in the coming months. The company is undertaking a detailed evaluation of the site and buildings so as to be able to make the best possible options available to any prospective industries which IDA Ireland may bring to visit the facility.
With regard to job creation generally in the Limerick area, fortunately, the region has shared in and contributed to economic growth and seen tremendous development across a range of sectors and activities. Manufacturing employment in the region has increased by over 20 per cent since 1993. The area has a quality infrastructure and its proximity to Shannon Airport and the University of Limerick is a strong attraction for overseas investment.
On 18 November, I was pleased to announced that HADCO Corporation of the USA is to establish an operation at the national technological park, Limerick. The company will initially establish its customer and engineering services centre, with 70 jobs, to meet the design and support the needs of its customers. Once the centre is operational HADCO will seek to establish a manufacturing facility, which would account for up to 80 new jobs. Recruitment of the employees is to begin immediately.
These latest job opportunities for the region are in addition to substantial numbers of new jobs being provided by companies such as Dell Computer, PKS Systems, Martin Dawes and Fullerton, which are continuing to build up their employment in the Limerick area. Shannon Development and the IDA Ireland are committed to ensuring that these advances in job creation continue.