I am aware of employment difficulties being experienced by some companies in the Drogheda area. These have arisen because of necessary technological applications and consolidation. The objective of the industrial development agencies under my Department is to secure the long-term future of the plants in question and to ensure maximum job maintenance in the course of necessary adaptation in these firms.
A very positive development has been that during 1996, DSC Communications announced its intention to establish a facility in Drogheda. The company is currently recruiting staff in a start-up phase and it is expected that 475 jobs will be created at full capacity. This will significantly assist the growth of employment in the north-east region including Drogheda.
IDA Ireland is actively responding to the challenge of attracting new inward investment to the north-east region including Drogheda through the acquisition of land for industrial development. A range of options is being considered in conjunction with Louth County Council to provide a large landbank in the Drogheda area. To date various sites have been identified but issues relating to the price and availability of these sites have yet to be resolved. This issue will be progressed over the coming months. Necessary funding to acquire this landbank is allocated within the IDA Ireland property budget subject to a satisfactory site being available.
In the past two weeks, the Government has decided on the expansion of the local employment service to Drogheda and three other areas. The LES, when operational in Drogheda, should help to address the employment needs of the long-term unemployed and other unemployed groups in the area. Combined with other actions, this ensures that there is a comprehensive service in the area to maximise employment opportunities.
