asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the proposed closure of the long established maltings at Portlaoise, County Laois, with the result of a number of workers being made redundant; if, in view of this, he will take special action so that an alternative industry will be provided; if he will consider declaring the area one of special urgency for industrial development; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Meetings.
19.
I am informed by the Minister for Agriculture, who has responsibility for the malting industry, that a floor malting plant in Portlaoise proposes to cease operations with a loss of nine jobs. However, I understand that the owners of the plant will continue to operate their grain drying plant in the town.
The Industrial Development Authority have been promoting Portlaoise for new industrial development for some years. A number of new industries has located in the area and one of those, which recently commenced production in the IDA advance factory in the town, has the potential to employ 205 persons within the next five years. I am satisfied that the existing incentives for promoting industrial development in the Portlaoise area are adequate.