The factory in question is currently for sale. A number of businesses viewed the property and expressed an interest in it. The closing date for tenders for the purchase of the premises was 19 March 2004, and it is expected that the outcome of the tendering process will be announced on 24 March 2004.
The development agencies are members of the Castlecomer area advisory forum which has undertaken the challenge of identifying and promoting quality employment opportunities for the town. Support has also been provided for the recruitment of an enterprise development executive. There has been significant progress to date with a wide range of projects initiated and in the pipeline. These cover a broad spectrum including local tourism based projects and the extension of the local enterprise centre.
In addition, a project has emerged in recent days which involves a two year contract to refurbish the electricity network in County Kilkenny and County Laois. I understand that this project will be based in Castlecomer.