I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
As a result of a fire which took place on 8 May 2002, slaughtering and processing activities came to an end at the company in Roosky. However, the cannery activity survived and continues to employ approximately 100 people.
No grant aid has been returned to Enterprise Ireland, EI, to date. Discussions are ongoing between EI and the company to determine the level of liability. While certain activities have been discontinued, the cannery operation has been retained and is being further developed with new added value products which have the potential to significantly increase sales from the Roosky facility.
In ongoing discussions with the company, Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with responsibility for the development of indigenous industry, has reiterated its objective to preserve and develop activities on the site. In addition, EI is also promoting the site and its capabilities to a number of independent promoters. However, no definitive proposals have emerged as yet.
As regards alternative employment, EI announced in July 2003 that it had provided assistance to Vistamed Limited in Roosky, which should lead to the creation of 30 jobs in the company. In nearby Longford, the recent announcement of a 600 person operation by Abbott Diagnostics, with support from IDA Ireland, is a significant boost to providing job opportunities. In Carrick-on-Shannon, MBNA have increased employment to more than 1000 people over the last three years, thereby providing further job opportunities for the area.
The State agencies, including the County Enterprise Board, will continue to promote the region for further investment and job creation.
