Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Connolly for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I am aware that you, a Cheann Comhairle, have a personal interest in the matter, as has the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith. I believe all the Deputies from Cavan-Monaghan have an interest in the matter. The company was formed in 1984 to produce fresh and frozen meat products. It encountered difficulties during the BSE crisis and the foot and mouth outbreak. The sterling exchange rate has recently exacerbated these problems and, as a result, the company ceased operations on 12 November 2004.

Enterprise Ireland has been working closely with the company over the past 18 months with a view to identifying outside investors who would bring much needed investment to the business. At Enterprise Ireland's urging, a business mentor was appointed in May 2003 to review the financial situation and provide strategic guidance to the company. Resulting from this involvement, the company embarked on a restructuring exercise in September 2004. It was thought at the time that this would facilitate the survival of the business. Enterprise Ireland expects to meet shortly the owner of the company to discuss the future situation. Enterprise Ireland is of the opinion that there may be a number of potential investors interested in acquiring the assets and business of Barford Meats Limited. Enterprise Ireland would work with any new buyer and consider new proposals to develop the business.

I understand that a representative from the FÁS office in Dundalk, together with a representative of the local enterprise service, met unions and management at Barford Meats Limited. Approximately 34 members of the workforce were spoken to and provided with information. A list of the current job vacancies in the area was supplied together with appropriate registration forms. I understand that individual interviews are taking place in the offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Carrickmacross.

Enterprise Ireland continues to work closely with its client companies in Monaghan and the local business community in the county to foster new business development. In 2003, Enterprise Ireland approved almost €3.5 million in support of projects for its client companies in the county and to date in 2004, Enterprise Ireland has approved over €1.7 million.

As part of its role in regional development, the Enterprise Ireland regional office in Dundalk works with other regional organisations and third level institutions to improve the business climate at regional level for clients and to influence the conditions in which growth in the north-east region is established and sustained. The development of community-based enterprise centres is a crucial part of the drive to create new regional enterprise through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro-enterprises through local community participation. Enterprise Ireland has supported the development of five community enterprise centres in the county.

Enterprise Ireland is currently involved in a range of initiatives in the county, which include an INTERREG funded cross-Border project specifically for the furniture industry. A number of County Monaghan furniture companies have applied to be accepted on the project. This project will involve eight southern companies and eight Northern Ireland companies participating in a two year programme, looking primarily at the issue of design and innovation.

Enterprise Ireland is also working with the Armagh-Monaghan Digital Corridor Project Committee. The objective of this committee is to develop the Armagh and Monaghan areas into a cluster of information and communication technology related industries. IDA Ireland participates in this initiative, which is geared at encouraging enterprises with a requirement for advanced telecommunications to locate on both sides of the Border where the telecommunications networks, both North and South, can be accessed. IDA Ireland is actively marketing County Monaghan on an ongoing basis as a location for foreign direct investment, through its network of overseas offices, to secure new investment and jobs for the area. IDA Ireland is working closely with local authorities and third level colleges to deliver the best solution. I assure the Deputy that the State agencies will continue to promote Monaghan for new investment and jobs.

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