Gerry Reynolds
Question:91 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans her proposals in relation to job losses in County Leitrim; and if it will be necessary to set up another task force. [6362/02]
Written Answers. - Job Losses.
Gerry Reynolds
Question:92 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses in County Leitrim in each of the years from 1997 to 2001 and to 31 January 2002. [6363/02]
Gerry Reynolds
Question:95 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason no progress has been made in the towns of Ballinamore, Drumshanbo and Mohill since the Leitrim Task Force was set up. [6366/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 95 together.
The number of redundancies notified to my Department in respect of County Leitrim in each of the years 1997 to 2001 and in the month of January 2002 are as follows:
|
1997 |
19 |
|
1998 |
130 |
|
1999 |
28 |
|
2000 |
96 |
|
2001 |
61 |
|
January 2002 |
Nil |
The total unemployment figure for Leitrim for January 2002 is 1,144, which is a decrease of 128, or over 10%, on the corresponding figure for January 2001.
Since the report by the task force which I set up following the closure of Ballinamore Textiles in 1998, there has been a wide range of activities by the State development agencies aimed at stimulating enterprise development in Leitrim and providing training and retraining for workers affected by job losses. The county is now receiving priority attention as a prime, competitive and attractive location for job creation. The number of overseas companies visiting Leitrim on IDA Ireland itineraries has increased. The MBNA centre in Carrick-on-Shannon has exceeded its original target of 300 jobs with current employment at 370. The company is hoping to expand its Leitrim operation with a sizeable increase in employment. Also, IDA Ireland has been working closely with existing companies in the county to invest and increase employment. The construction of a new 24,000 sq. ft. advance building in Carrick-on-Shannon is nearing completion and is being marketed by IDA.
In continuing to promote the attraction and development of indigenous industry in Leitrim, Enterprise Ireland is working with client companies in the county and encouraging them to grow and develop, particularly in export markets, encouraging companies from outside to set up in Leitrim and promoting the establishment of high-growth businesses. The Leitrim County Enterprise Board provides support to promote small enterprise development. The board is also involved in a number of other initiatives, such as providing support for researching import substitution possibilities and the training of entrepreneurs in the start-up phase. In view of the fact that the Leitrim County Development Board is developing a plan for the county, and given also the combined activity of the development agencies in enterprise development in County Leitrim, I do not consider it necessary to set up a task force for the county.