Vol. 553 No. 2
152 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the results of the employment task force on Drogheda will be published; the action she intends to take to bring new industry to the towns of Drogheda, Ardee and Dundalk; and if she will visit these towns to meet with industrial and commercial interests. [13567/02]
The inter-agency task force was established in August 2001 in response to the impending closure of the Tellabs manufacturing operation in Drogheda. The main focus of the task force is on attracting a replacement industry and the provision of assistance to the Tellabs employees to secure alternative employment. I understand that the vast majority of the former staff of Tellabs have now obtained alternative employment.
The IDA has introduced a number of potential investors to the town and, in particular, to the vacant Tellabs facility. The IDA is continuing to market the facility for a replacement industry.
I understand also that Enterprise Ireland is presently in discussions with a number of companies in respect of projects for the town of Drogheda.
The work of the task force is continuing and I expect to receive its final report in the next few months.
IDA Ireland is continuing to promote County Louth for new inward investment. In this regard, it has begun site development works at its new business and technology park in Drogheda where it has secured planning permission for a number of new buildings. The agency has also applied for planning permission for five new advance buildings at Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk. The IDA has advised that a company in Ardee is awaiting the outcome of a third party planning appeal, to begin construction of a new facility.
