Vol. 547 No. 3
111 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date by each of the task forces or special committees established under the aegis of her Department arising from company closures; the progress made by each such body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3324/02]
The following task forces, established to address company closures, are currently operating under the aegis of my Department: north Mayo enterprise initiative; Laois task force; Dundalk inter agency group; Thurles inter-agency group; Macroom task force; and Drogheda inter agency group
These task forces are focusing on attracting replacement industry, assisting the expansion of existing industry, and the provision of advice on alternative employment opportunities, training or re-training for workers affected by company closures, and infrastructure. I have recently received the Macroom task force report which contains recommendations for future action on these issues which are being addressed.
Arising out of the work of these task forces, significant job creation projects have already located in a number of the areas covered, for example Lionbridge Technologies, Dekko Heating Technologies, Coca Cola and Oasis in Ballina, County Mayo; Ebm Industries Limited in Portlaoise, County Laois; and Irish Life (Retail) in Dundalk.
DeCare International recently announced significant expansion of its dental insurance claims processing operation in County Mayo with the establishment of a new facility in Crossmolina and the expansion of its existing operation in Claremorris. An additional 210 jobs are projected.
