asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the recent closure of a factory (details supplied) in County Meath; and the steps, if any, he has taken or intends to take to help to keep the factory open and/or provide a replacement industry.
Written Answers. - Meath Factory Closures.
270.
I have been concerned for some time about the difficulties facing the company mentioned by the Deputy. I have kept in close touch with efforts being made, initially by the company, to maintain employment at the plant, and subsequently by the IDA, who have made considerable efforts throughout Europe and the USA to attract interest in a take-over of the plant as a going concern.
Earlier this year the company agreed to defer closure for a number of months to allow the IDA reasonable time to seek out and negotiate with companies which might be interested in take-over.
This time has now expired and I am disappointed that no outside interests have been prepared to take over the plant. The Deputy can be assured, however, that every effort will continue to be made to attract interest in a take-over or replacement project at the plant.
I have met representatives of the trade union and workers this morning and am pursuing certain suggestions made by them to me.
271.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the recent issue of redundancy notices to employees of a factory (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he has taken any steps to date to open negotiations so that it may remain open.
The IDA have kept me informed of the position of this company, which has been deteriorating for some time now.
I have now been informed by the authority that redundancy notices have issued to the company's employees. All the relevant State agencies, especially the IDA and the Irish Productivity Centre have done everything possible to help this company survive. However, the scale of the company's financial and other difficulties has effectively ruled out any realistic prospects of potential viability.
The IDA will make every effort to secure a replacement project for the area.