John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

A total of 70 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the past week at the Saehan media plant in Sligo. This brings the total number of job losses in the past 12 months in this company to 170. I call on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to appoint a task force incorporating IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to treat Sligo as a special case for job creation in 2005. In the past three years, more than 1,350 jobs have been lost in Sligo, mainly in the food, plastic and rubber manufacture industries but also in furniture and wood related services. This is an unprecedented loss in the north west and for an area with gateway status, it is disappointing that more than 636 jobs were lost in 2003. This is very disappointing when we consider the great opportunities for the BMW region.

Sligo is by far the largest town in the north west. A great deal of infrastructural investment has already taken place, but Sligo has infrastructural deficits which need to be addressed to promote inward investment and develop its potential as a main regional growth centre. Sligo has many of the basic ingredients necessary for the development of a vibrant growth centre. It is a scenic coastal location with developing road corridors; an institute of technology, which could be upgraded to university status; a regional airport and a small sea port; a base for arts and culture facilities; a developing water and sewerage treatment plant; and mainline rail heads. However, action needs to be taken to consolidate Sligo's position for mobile investment and economic and social development.

When it comes to the creation of jobs, Sligo has a tradition of supporting and promoting indigenous industry. Further support and targeted measures are required. With the huge job losses at Saehan due to a changing market, I call on the Minister to look at the possibility of supporting the company in diversifying in some way. We have a strong tradition in supporting small companies. Further investment must be made in research and development to encourage new and existing enterprises in the county.

The enterprise boards have been effective. However, I call on the Minister to appoint a special task force in light of the job losses. There is a difficulty in that 100 jobs remain at Saehan Media and there is a risk of further job losses if action is not taken immediately. The task force should incorporate IDA and Enterprise Ireland and should treat Sligo as a special case for job creation in the current year.

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