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Job Creation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2007

Thursday, 26 April 2007

Questions (18, 19)

Joe Sherlock

Question:

18 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the enterprise element of the special local area plan for Mallow recently agreed; if he will be seeking assurances or commitments from Greencore or if he will be targeting particular resources from his Department or its agencies, to ensure employment opportunities are created on the site of the former sugar factory in Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15478/07]

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Joe Sherlock

Question:

29 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to bring replacement jobs and investment to Mallow and the wider east Cork community following the closure of the sugar plant in 2006 and other job losses in Cork to date in 2007; the reason the Government has apparently abandoned Cork in its job creation and investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/07]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 29 together.

The Industrial Development agencies continue to promote the greater Cork area for industrial development. In terms of new foreign investment, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, information and communications technology and internationally traded services are among the area's strongest performers in recent years.

Last year, new projects were announced for the region which will result in over 2,300 new jobs at full production. The Amgen announcement of 1,100 new jobs at an €820 million facility is of particular importance as it is a major global project that has chosen Cork as its development location. In addition, one of the largest online retailers in the world is creating 450 jobs and a further company is creating 250 financial services jobs. In 2005, over 600 new jobs were announced in various overseas companies. The development of indigenous industry in Cork continues to be supported by Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Development Boards.

As regards the sugar factory site in Mallow, I should point out that on 21 March, 2006, An Taoiseach, the Minister for Agriculture and Food and myself, together with Minister of State Michael Ahern, met a delegation of various interests and concerned parties. At that time, I indicated my intention to ensure that possible alternative uses of the company's facility would be explored. There is now a €500 million development plan for the site. This includes enterprise space of 800,000 sq.ft., an hotel, recreational facilities and plans to create up to 2,000 jobs.

I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the Industrial Development agencies and local area interests will continue to bring new investment and job opportunities to both Mallow and Co. Cork generally. Already in 2007, there have been new job announcements for Cork including Glaxo Smith Kline which is to create 150 jobs, Abtran which is to create 100 jobs and De Care Systems which is also to create 100 jobs.

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