I established the Drogheda interagency task force in August 2001 in response to the impending closure of the Tellabs manufacturing operation in Drogheda. The task force, which operated under the chairmanship of IDA Ireland, also had representatives from Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, the Louth County Enterprise Board and Dundalk IT. I asked the force to liaise with the public and private sectors and community bodies which could assist in promoting Drogheda for investment and job creation. It held six formal meetings and was involved through its members in a number of initiatives with other parties in the Drogheda area. The final report of the task force was submitted to me on 10 October 2002. While some confidential information relating to specific companies is contained in the report, a copy without this confidential element will be forwarded to the Deputy. The main focus of the task force, which completed its work in October 2002, was on attracting a replacement industry and helping the Tellabs employees to secure alternative employment. I understand that the vast majority of the former staff of Tellabs have obtained alternative employment. I assure the Deputy that the state development agencies continue to work closely with the local bodies to promote Drogheda for new investment and development.
