Vol. 544 No. 3
86 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will establish a task force specifically to examine the unemployment difficulties which continue to occur in the west Waterford area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28753/01]
This question was tabled to the Tánaiste, but I would be glad to reply on her behalf.
The Tánaiste is very much aware of the jobs situation in Waterford. The closure of Cadena Ireland in Tallow was the subject of an Adjournment debate in the Dáil last month. The full services of the agencies of the Department are available to respond to job losses and, in particular, to find alternative opportunities for workers affected by redundancies. FÁS is playing an important role in both assessing and providing training and retraining for workers and has been very active in the Waterford area.
The strategy Waterford policy, which the Tánaiste announced on 23 February 2001, is aimed at developing Waterford as a dynamic centre for business and industry. All relevant interests are represented and this special focus on Waterford will be a major benefit to all areas of the county.
During the past five years almost 3,000 jobs were announced in IDA assisted companies in Waterford city and county. Planning permission has also been received for a new 77 acre IDA technology park which will include 200,000 square feet of modern office buildings. One of the key developments this year was the establishment of Nypro Waterford, with Enterprise Ireland support. This company is engaged in manufacturing electromechanical components and will lead to the creation of 400 jobs in the next four years. Enterprise Ireland has also approved £385,000 towards a high-tech community enterprise centre in Waterford.
The Tánaiste is confident that the efforts of the industrial development agencies under her remit, including the county enterprise board and the involvement of local business interests, will see Waterford continue to develop as a county offering excellent job opportunities. Furthermore, the county development board has a very strong focus on economic development in west Waterford. Its ten year strategy is due to be launched early next year. All the development agencies are represented at senior level on the board, with trade unions, employers and elected representatives.
In effect, the combined actions of the development agencies and the county development board represent the best approach to the immediate and longer term development interests of the area. The establishment of a task force would only duplicate the efforts already being made and undermine the important work being carried out at local level. In the circumstances, the Tánaiste does not propose to establish a task force for west Waterford.
I regret that the Tánaiste was not present to take this question.
West Waterford is a separate entity to Waterford city, to which the Minister of State referred quite a lot in his reply. Parts of west Waterford are located up to 50 miles from the city. There is a major unemployment crisis in west Waterford which I would like the Department to establish a task force to address. A total of 400 jobs were lost at Waterford Foods—
A question please, Deputy, we have gone over time.
—200 jobs are due to be lost at Stafford Miller, another 200 at Waterford Glass and Dungarvan Crystal and 150 at Cadena in Tallow. That is a huge number of jobs in a small rural area.
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat.
I ask the Tánaiste to establish a task force because the county enterprise board does not have the clout to create the type of employment needed.
The Deputy can rest assured that the Government, the Tánaiste and I will do everything possible to assist with regard to the needs of west Waterford. While I have outlined the Tánaiste's position on the matter, we will ensure the relevant agencies do their utmost for the region.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
