Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Company Closures.

Pat Breen

Question:

117 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns in County Clare regarding the loss of employment at a company (details supplied); and the action she proposes to take to assist the workers and local community to find alternative work. [8183/03]

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

I am aware of the situation at the company in question. Shannon Development, the agency with responsibility for the company in the mid-west region, held a review meeting with the company last year. At that time, feedback was very positive, so the news of the job losses was surprising. An application has been made to my Department for payment of statutory redundancy entitlements from the social insurance fund. This application is being processed as quickly as possible.

Shannon Development is fully committed to the promotion of employment creation in County Clare. Together with the development bodies in the area, as well as other local bodies and interests, an integrated approach to enterprise development is being adopted. Also, in this regard, IDA Ireland is working closely with the Industry Ennis people to see what can be done to facilitate employment following the job losses at the company in question. Representatives from IDA Ireland and Industry Ennis met on 13 March 2003 to discuss the promotion of the town for inward investment.

In addition, Shannon Development has planned the development of a 35 acre technology park for Ennis. The design team for this project should be appointed early next month and planning permission will then be sought. There is already a substantial level of interest in the project. I am confident that this existing co-operative framework can be used effectively and efficiently to deal with the job losses that have occurred, and job creation in the county.