Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Michael Creed

Question:

86 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made by the task force established by her Department in respect of a replacement industry for Dunmanway, County Cork arising from the closure of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18592/01]

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

The Dunmanway interagency task force was established in response to the announced closure of the facility 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.

The factory was purchased by O'Flynn Construction on 31 August 2000. This company has developed major office parks such as the University Technology Park, Cork, and the Eastgate Business Park at Little Island.

IDA Ireland has collaborated with O'Flynn Construction to produce a colour brochure to advertise the factory. O'Flynn Construction has also taken out a half page advertisement in the national newspapers to promote the factory. The IDA has supplied lists of companies which it considers may be interested in the factory, including contacts in IDA overseas offices worldwide, and contacts within IDA's operating divisions. Copies of the new brochure have been made available to the Dunmanway employment initiative. There have been a number of visits to the facility but, so far, only one of the companies has shown a small amount of interest in the factory. However, vigorous efforts are continuing to be made to secure a tenant.

One of the major difficulties in promoting the factory is the skill set of the former workforce, which is mainly related to the textile industry, cutting and sewing operations. Of the new employment opportunities arising in the south-west region, 80% come from three sources – pharmaceuticals and health care, international service operations and electronics. Opportunities for employment for those with textile skills have been in decline throughout the nation, except for niche markets.

On 21 and 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 while 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 and 5 September 2000, FÁS attended Dunmanway to register participants for a second return to work/ECDL course. This course did not generate the same level of interest and FÁS was unable to fill this course. The course commenced on 25 October 2000 and finished in January 2001, with 22 participants, many from Skibbereen and surrounding areas. FÁS has now contacted all ex-employees of the company and it is its intention to run another course for these people. Both IDA Ireland and FÁS maintain on-going contact with the Dunmanway employment initiative. IDA Ireland will continue to market Dunmanway for potential overseas investment.