Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 5

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

99 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current position in relation to securing a replacement industry for Dunmanway, County Cork; if a building (details supplied) in County Cork is available for such replacement industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16212/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Dunmanway inter-agency task force was established in response to the announced closure of the Molnlycke facility with effect from 11 February 2000 with the loss of 113 jobs. The task force is chaired by IDA Ireland and comprises representatives from Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, the county enterprise board and the county manager for West Cork.

The group has had five meetings to date, the last one on 5 May 2000. To date, since the announced closure, a number of companies have visited the factory but no commitment has been made by any of the companies to locate in the premises. The premises is now in the process of being sold by the company but, as far as IDA Ireland is aware, the factory will remain available to rent for a suitable industry when the new owners take possession.

FÁS is running a computer training course for 24 of the former employees of Molnlycke and a further 48 have indicated their interest in similar training.

IDA Ireland will continue to market Dunmanway for potential overseas investment.