Vol. 455 No. 8
334 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the serious implications of the recent layoffs by Donegal Rubber in Ballyshannon, County Donegal; the action, if any, he is taking to secure the viability of the plant; and the further action, if any, he will take to increase employment in the town. [12966/95]
I am aware of the problems being experienced by Donegal Rubber Limited which led to the recent announcement by the company to place 61 of their 126 full time staff on temporary lay-off. The measures introduced by the company have been largely brought about by a difficult sales position and fierce competition in the European automotive industry.
Donegal Rubber Limited is endeavouring to assess the future direction of its business and efforts are currently under way by IDA Ireland and the company to find an investor for the Ballyshannon operation. IDA Ireland have assured me that everything possible is being done to assist the company in overcoming its difficulties and to minimise the duration of the lay-offs.
IDA Ireland are also actively pursuing an existing company to expand its operations to Ballyshannon and, in addition, will continue to promote the area to potential overseas investors. To this end, Forfas have 11 acres of land together with some smaller units to assist in the attraction of industry to the town.
Forbairt are actively promoting their total range of programmes and initiatives in Ballyshannon and County Donegal and have recently provided all manufacturing and internationally traded services in the area with detailed information on the full range of Forbairt services available. Forbairt has been working closely with indigenous companies in the Ballyshannon area with a view to increasing their sales and employment levels. Forbairt is drawing up a five year development strategy to address, in so far as it falls within Forbairt's remit, the employment creation needs of the region. Local interest groups both community and business have been invited to participate in this process.
