andMr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he intends to take to deal with the serious unemployment situation that will arise in Athlone, County Westmeath, consequent on the proposed closure of a factory (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Westmeath Factory.
18.
As announced recently, the Industrial Development Authority will shortly start construction of a factory in Athlone to accommodate the further expansion of a manufacturing firm and is proceeding with arrangements to build a training centre for AnCO in the town.
It is expected that this manufacturing firm will take on another 50 people by the end of this year and a further 170 workers by the end of 1977. A significant increase in employment by the firm is planned beyond that date.
In order to stimulate new industrial development in Athlone the IDA is giving the town special promotional attention and can offer attractive incentives to large employing industry wishing to establish there.
Has the Minister any hopes of himself, the IDA, or Fóir Teoranta saving the Gentex factory which has been almost the basis of industry in Athlone for a good many years past and its most important industry?
I saw a delegation yesterday of both elected local representatives, management and workers in Athlone and in Gentex. I was not able to give them a firm assurance. I was able to indicate that I think it very probable, in regard to General Textiles, that at least what one might call a stay of execution after the end of June will be obtained for a matter of two months. That at least prolongs the period in which either some form of rescue can be organised or some form of alternative help given. I cannot give a commitment that the factory, against the decision of the management, can be kept open indefinitely but I believe we have been able to obtain a respite which gives us more time in which to try to secure other aid.