Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

93 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the work to date of the Dunmanway Inter Agency Task Force; the current position in relation to securing a replacement industry for Dunmanway, County Cork. [30089/00]

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

The Dunmanway Inter Agency Task Force was established following the announcement that Molnlycke was to close with effect from 11 February 2000 with the loss of 113 jobs. The task force is chaired by IDA Ireland and comprises representatives from Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, the County Enterprise Board and the county manager for west Cork. The main focus for the task force is on attracting a replacement industry and providing assistance to employees such as advice on alternative career opportunities and training-retraining courses.

In February 2000, FÁS staff attended the Molnlycke plant to register 103 employees who indicated an interest in FÁS courses or employment opportunities.

On 21-22 March 2000, FÁS attended Dunmanway to register participants for a return to work-ECDL course – this course took place from 10 April to 14 July, with 24 participants. On completion of the course, 11 participants were placed in employment. Others expressed an interest in further training. However, there has been a poor response to the FÁS follow-up survey from these participants.

On 4-5 September 2000, FÁS attended Dunmanway to register participants for a second return to work-ECDL Course, which commenced on 25 October and is due to finish in January 2001 with 22 participants – FÁS was unable to fill this course. Two of these participants are from the Molnlycke plant.

There have been a number of site visits to the plant by companies but no definite interest has been expressed in the facility.

On 31 August 2000 the Molnlycke factory was purchased by O'Flynn Construction. This Company has developed major office parks such as the University Technology Park in Cork and the Eastgate Business Park at Little Island. As part of a new marketing programme to attract a tenant to the building, IDA Ireland has collaborated with O'Flynn Construction to produce a colour brochure to advertise the factory. In addition, O'Flynn Construction has taken out a half page advertisement in the national newspapers to promote the factory. IDA has supplied lists of companies which they consider may be interested in the factory, including contacts in IDA overseas offices worldwide and contacts within IDA's operating divisions in Ireland.

Both IDA Ireland and FÁS maintain on-going contact with the Dunmanway employment initiative. IDA Ireland continues to promote Dunmanway for potential overseas investment.