I have raised the matter of unemployment in the Athy area on a number of occasions in this House and in the Seanad. Sadly, however, we have not seen any significant action. We have suffered lay-offs in a number of factories and numerous factory closures, including the closure of a knitwear factory in the past few days resulting in the loss of 50 jobs.
As the Minister of State is aware, I have asked his Department to establish a task force for south Kildare. Task forces in other areas of the country have been very successful when there have been major job losses. Athy and south Kildare have not suffered high profile factory closures such as Seagate in Clonmel or Packard in Tallaght. However, the loss of jobs in my constituency has been gradually increasing for the past 15 years with little or no new investment – five factories have closed in that period alone. The net effect of these job losses is equivalent to the closure of a Packard or Seagate facility. The people of south Kildare deserve the same official response as the people in towns where factory closures have hit national newspaper headlines and there is an expectation on the Minister to produce a response.
I acknowledge the Tánaiste met with Athy UDC and elected representatives of south Kildare and that she played a role in setting up the Athy Forum which is in the process of putting in place a structure which will assist Athy in the future. However, this is not enough. There is a need for the Minister to establish a task force for the area to work in tandem with Athy Forum, the chamber of commerce and other local community groups to attract significant industrial investment to the region. Athy has major advantages for industry. The River Barrow can provide ample water supply for any new industries. Land for industrial development is readily available. One of the best institutes of technology in the country is within 11 miles of Athy and produces excellent skilled graduates. Our secondary schools also have a proud record in giving pupils the skills and qualities necessary in today's labour market. However, at present, these people have to leave the area to find decent employment.
In tandem with the establishment of a task force, there is a compelling case for Athy to be included in any new decentralisation programme drawn up by the Government. The location of a major Government agency or Department in the town would transform commercial life in Athy and give a much needed economic boost to the region. The fact that no new industry has located in Athy in the past 25 years raises serious questions as regards the commitment of State agencies towards supporting employment and investment in Athy.
Athy is a marvellous location for any new industry locating in Ireland. However, I cannot understand why no prospective investor has visited the area for some time. I ask the Minister to rectify this situation immediately. Athy and its hinterland needs new industry to replace the constant job losses it has endured in recent years. A task force is a vital element in achieving this goal. I ask the Minister to focus the energies of the various State agencies on working together with the local community and the elected representatives to ensure that investment in employment is brought to the people of Athy as a matter of urgency.
