The agenda of the inter-agency forum continues to be addressed by the Economic sub-Group of Waterford County Development Board which was established to direct economic development in County Waterford. The sub-Group includes elected representatives and representatives of business and the Development agencies. In addition, Waterford County Council continues to employ a dedicated Economic Development Officer.
I am aware that a fund of €700,000 has been put together for an Enterprise Centre in Dungarvan. This sum includes €300,000 from Enterprise Ireland. A site for the Centre has been offered by Waterford County Council and the design and planning of the Centre are progressing.
In relation to the development of indigenous industry in County Waterford, Enterprise Ireland continues to offer its range of supports to its client companies in the County. In addition, the agency works closely with the County Enterprise Board, the County Development Board and the South East Enterprise Platform Programme at Waterford Institute of Technology to promote entrepreneurship and, in particular, the formation of High Potential Start Up (HPSU) companies in County Waterford. I understand two such companies, employing 23 people, have located in Dungarvan. I should point out that there was also a major IDA Ireland job announcement from the United States for Dungarvan in April of this year. A total of 100 new jobs will be created in the town by Microchem Lancaster Laboratories.
At the time of the closure, the Industrial Training agency FÁS led an employment / training group to respond to the needs of the workers who were losing their jobs. In my reply of 7 November, 2007, to a similar question from the Deputy, I was able to say that of the 405 people directly affected by the closure, only a small number remained on the Live Register.
I look forward to continued economic development and further job creation in Dungarvan and County Waterford generally in the coming years.