asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the serious unemployment position that has developed in Tullamore, County Offaly, due to the closure of industries over the past twelve months with a loss of roughly 300 jobs; and the efforts being made to create alternative employment there.
Written Answers. - Tullamore (Offaly) Unemployment.
380.
Mr. Cowen
I am seriously concerned at the unemployment situation in Tullamore, County Offaly. Since the closure of Tullamore Yarns Limited earlier this year the Industrial Development Authority have been actively seeking to identify a suitable project to take over the plant. As yet no firm proposals have emerged.
In recent years the IDA have assisted in the establishment of a number of overseas companies in Tullamore. These include Burlington, Lowe Apline, Snickers and Argyle which between them now employ over 600 people.
The IDA are also promoting its 27,000 sq. ft. advance factory the two units of 3,000 sq. ft. each and 62 acres of land in the Tullamore area for suitable industrial development.