asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the proposals in hand for a factory (details supplied) at Kells, County Meath, part of which has been converted into a store by another firm; if the promise of 39 jobs is still projected for this factory; and, if not, the IDA grants that have been paid to this factory and the cost of each job as a result.
Written Answers. - Kells (Meath) New Factory.
298.
The company in question has been unable, because market conditions for its product have disimproved, to provide employment at the level originally projected by it.
I understand from the IDA that the company expects to continue to provide employment at the current level until a clearer picture of market prospects emerges. The IDA will be having discussions with the company about its future plans, including the possibility of developing new products.
Grants totalling £20,350 have been paid to date, giving a grant cost per job of £3,400 approximately, but this figure could alter if changes take place in the relationship between total grants paid and total employment provided.