Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2018
153. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the job losses at a company (detail supplied) in County Kildare; if she has engaged with workers and their representatives in relation to this; the steps that will be taken to assist persons who have lost their jobs to get back into the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the site of a factory (details supplied) in County Kildare is owned by the IDA; her plans for the site going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20529/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of grant aid a company (details supplied) received in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20530/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the actions she has taken to protect jobs at a company (details supplied); the supports in place for employees that will be made redundant; if she has spoken with the management of the company regarding these job losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20771/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 to 155, inclusive, and 157 together.
The announcement by Coca-Cola that it will be closing Athy International Concentrates, on a phased basis from September 2018 to December 2019, is very disappointing. While I very much regret the decision the company has taken, I do welcome its commitment to making every effort to help those employees who will lose their jobs. This includes redundancy packages, as well as financial advice and re-training.
The Government will also, of course, make every State support available to those impacted. The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection is aware of the situation and we will be working collectively, across Government, to help these workers transition and find new employment opportunities. The IDA is also closely engaging with senior management at Coca-Cola Ireland.
Despite this disappointing decision by the company, Coca-Cola has made it clear that it remains fully committed to its other facilities in Ireland. We understand more than half of the jobs that will be lost in Athy will transfer to its facility in Ballina, County Mayo.
The site and facility in Athy is owned by Coca Cola itself. The company has not yet indicated their plans for the facility following its closure. Athy International Concentrates has not received any financial assistance from IDA Ireland.
