asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will create a task force for Dundalk in view of its worsening economic plight.
538.
Written Answers. - Dundalk Employment Situation.
537.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the 200 redundancies in Ecco Limited, Dundalk, and the 50 redundancies in Clarks Limited and if he will make a statement on the desperate employment situation in Dundalk.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 538 together.
I am aware of the serious level of unemployment in Dundalk and that it has been aggravated by the recently announced redundancies at Ecco Limited and Clarks Limited.
I am informed that every effort is being made by the Industrial Development Authority to encourage new industrial projects to locate in the town. The IDA has over 80,000 sq ft. of factory space and 85 acres of land available for industrial purposes in Dundalk. These facilities are an important factor in making Dundalk more attractive as an industrial location and the town will continue to be promoted. In these circumstances, I consider that the creation of a task force for Dundalk would serve no useful purpose.
The IDA is working very closely with both Ecco and Clarks and is making every effort to ensure that the companies' operations are strengthened so that employment can be maintained as far as possible.