Vol. 486 No. 6
132 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will give details of the survey which is being conducted on the workforce at Kilmallock, County Limerick; the objectives of the survey; and if a question to those travelling away from Kilmallock to work regarding their preference to work in the town is included in the exercise. [3522/98]
133 Mr. Finucane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, her Department, the IDA or SFADCo have taken following the closure of the Neodata Plants in Newcastle West and Kilmallock, County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3293/98]
134 Mr. Finucane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific measures, if any, taken by the IDA since November 1995 to seek an alternative enterprise following the closure of the Neodata plant in Newcastle West, County Limerick; and if she will give an assurance, following the sale of the Neodata property in Newcastle West, that it will be used for an alternative replacement industry. [3294/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 134 together.
Since I replied to the Deputies' questions on 28 January 1998 the economic study group established to evaluate the economic strengths and weaknesses of Kilmallock —including a breakdown of skills availability has held its first meeting —on Wednesday 4 February 1998.
At this meeting the following was agreed: terms of reference; any other group interested in the development of Kilmallock will be invited to participate; a short list of consultants will be considered at the next meeting of the group, with a view to appointing a consultant to undertake an economic study. This study will evaluate the economic strengths and weaknesses of the town, including a breakdown of skills availability; once completed, this study will be submitted to the group for consideration.
Each member of the group will be requested to provide funding for this study. The group will meet again shortly to progress the issues outlined above. The group is chaired by the Kilmallock Traders' Association and has representatives from Limerick County Enterprise Board, SFADCo, Forbairt and IDA Ireland.
In 1998 IDA Ireland will continue to market West Limerick to potential overseas investors.
