I extend to the Ceann Comhairle my sincere thanks for giving me the opportunity to raise this important issue at this late hour. I am extremely concerned, as is the Ceann Comhairle, at the loss of 38 jobs in Kingscourt. Both of us know many of the employees. They are extremely disappointed, to say the least, by the decision of the management of Horseware Products Limited to cease operations in Kingscourt immediately prior to Christmas. I understand from Councillor Clifford Kelly, who has spoken to some of the factory's employees, that staff learned yesterday of the management's decision to close the facility. It came without warning and was totally unexpected.
It is devastating at any time for a person to lose his or her job, but to lose one's employment at Christmas adds to the pain. Horseware Products Limited was established in 1985 and had its principal manufacturing base in Dundalk. The Kingscourt facility commenced operations in the mid-1990s. The plant has a dedicated and diligent workforce of almost 40 employees. Great credit is due to all involved in Horseware Products Limited on the successful development of a range of horse blankets. The company's product innovation and design has made it a world leader. I have expressed my grave concern to Mr. Jim Mulcahy, regional manager of Enterprise Ireland, and I wish to express it to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, through the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern.
Horseware Products Limited has been an extremely important employer, particularly for females, in the Kingscourt area. The closure of this factory is all the more unexpected when one considers that it was extended and saw a substantial investment in new technology relatively recently. I understand that some employees may be offered employment in Dundalk which is 25 miles from Kingscourt. This is not a practical option for everybody as many of the employees have young children. Employment such a distance from home would cause considerable strain on some individuals. I make the strongest possible appeal to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, her Department and the industrial development agencies to make every possible effort to retain the current employment in Kingscourt. Such a course should be pursued immediately and as vigorously as possible with the management of Horseware Products Limited.
If their efforts are unsuccessful, I emphasise to the Minister that we must secure a replacement industry as quickly as possible. Mr. Vincent Reynolds, chief executive of Cavan County Enterprise Board, and I have discussed the difficulties facing the Horseware Products employees. We are both of the view that employment, predominantly of females, at this factory is essential to Kingscourt, the factory's employees and their families.