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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 5

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

159 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the provision of employment in the Ballinrobe area; the position regarding the task force in Ballinrobe and the advance factory; the amount being paid to a private individual per month; the length of time the person has been paid this fee; and when this factory will be occupied. [27510/01]

The industrial development agencies fully recognise the need to attract new industry and business into Ballinrobe.

The task force in Ballinrobe was established in 1999 under the chairmanship of the county manager following the closure of Betatherm. It undertook a study of 35 employees of Betatherm. Of these, 30 responded and of these 30, 17 have found employment. The local employment services group also organised training by FÁS for 14 people in order to assist these people to return to work.

I understand that the task force will shortly be wound up by the chairman and I will then receive a final report from him.

The promotion of the 22,000 sq. ft. factory in Ballinrobe is very much a priority for the agencies. However, it is important to realise that the final decision on where any project locates is made by the promoter of a project and not by the agencies.

When the current factory was completed in 1983, IDA Ireland entered into a 35 year lease with the owner. The current rent payable to the owner is just over £6,000 per month. When the factory is occupied, as was the case with Betatherm, the rent is recouped from the occupier.

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