Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 4

Written Answers. - Industrial Development.

Austin Deasy

Question:

26 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a clear indication was given that Dungarvan would be assisted in every way possible to attract a replacement industry following the closure of Waterford Foods. [8440/99]

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

Following the closure of Waterford Foods in Dungarvan, the Avonmore Waterford Group established the south east taskforce in December as part of the AWG rationalisation programme. The south east taskforce had as one of its key objectives the location of new employment in the Dungarvan and Clonmel areas.

The closure of the Dungarvan plant resulted in the loss of 135 full-time jobs and a further 45 part-time jobs. To date the taskforce has succeeded in attracting a number of new industries to the Dungarvan area, including expansions by Stafford Miller (180 jobs), and Radley Engineering (75 jobs), and new greenfield projects by Century Homes (70 jobs) and Microbrush Inc. (30 jobs). In addition, the Avonmore Waterford Group is setting up an office service facility in Dungarvan which will employ 80 people.

In May last year I was presented with an interim report on the activities promoted by the taskforce. I understand that the taskforce intends to let me have a final report on the range of activities it has undertaken in the context of its original brief.

During 1999 the industrial development agencies will continue to actively promote County Waterford, including Dungarvan, to potential investors.