I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
Champion Automotive, Naas, County Kildare, informed IDA Ireland of its intention to close on 7 May 2004. I understand from IDA Ireland that the facility will be closed in the next few months with the loss of approximately 50 jobs. The news of the intended closure is disappointing, particularly for the workers affected and their families. The company is highly specialised and automated and obtains high levels of productivity. However, due to the extended life expectancy for spark plugs, the market for their product has been declining over the years and the parent company has decided to concentrate its production in the US and UK. On commencement of redundancies, FÁS will make its full range of services available to the company and the employees, while Enterprise Ireland and the Kildare County Enterprise Board will provide advice and support to any employees interested in starting their own business.
As regards positive developments, there are a number of significant projects in Kildare for which companies are actively recruiting at present. In Newbridge, Wyeth Medica's €70 million investment is being implemented and an active media recruitment campaign is under way. In Leixlip, Intel is actively recruiting, as is Hewlett Packard in Celbridge. IDA Ireland is strongly marketing the Millennium Business Park facility in Naas to prospective investors. I assure the Deputy that the State development agencies under the aegis of my Department will continue to promote the Kildare area for enterprise development.