Peter Barry
Ceist:152 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the employment content at Verolme Dockyard.
Written Answers. - Cork Dockyard.
Cork Dockyard was purchased by Damen Shipyards in 1990. The level of employment at the yard depends on the volume of work on hand. Throughout Western Europe demand for shipbuilding and ship repair has been weak for some time due primarily to the downturn in world economic performance.
Damen is confident that when an upturn in demand for repair and ship construction occurs, Cork Dockyard will be well placed to expand its operations and employment. In the meantime I understand that the company is examining, in consultation with the IDA, various other engineering sectors in which the yard could compete.