Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Losses.

Denis Naughten

Question:

76 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 11 February 2003, the progress she has made to address the job losses in the towns of Ballinasloe and Athlone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12496/03]

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

Since my reply on 18 February 2003 to the Deputy's previous question, I have visited Ballinasloe and met the workers of Square D and local representative and development groups. I am currently following up on a number of issues raised by the worker's action group and I will be responding to those issues very shortly.

During the first quarter and into the second quarter of the year, there have been visits by potential clients and new investors to both Ballinasloe and Athlone. These visits have been achieved against a backdrop of tough economic conditions, particularly in the United States which is the IDA's main market. As conditions improve, in mainly the US market, IDA Ireland is confident that the results being sought in both Ballinasloe and Athlone will be achieved and remain actively committed to its marketing efforts in the period ahead. All of the State agencies under the auspices of my Department are and will continue to work closely in the interests of promoting Ballinasloe and Athlone for additional investment and job creation.