Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The recent increase in the numbers on the live register is unwelcome. All Members will be aware that behind the statistics are individuals and families facing the prospect of unemployment. The situation not alone challenges those people who are currently unemployed but the broader labour market.

The Government is taking specific measures to address these challenges and to ensure that job losses are minimised as much as possible. Its priority is to create the environment that will allow those who have lost their jobs to quickly return to the labour market. The enterprise development agencies, along with FÁS, are actively engaged in facilitating job opportunities in Longford.

In line with the national spatial strategy, IDA Ireland actively promotes the town of Longford for new and expanded investment across a wide range of sectors. Longford is traditionally a centre of manufacturing for foreign direct investment and has been comprehensively marketed by IDA Ireland. Currently, there are eight IDA Ireland-supported companies in Longford employing approximately 905 people. IDA Ireland also continues to work with the existing company base in the area to identify new areas of opportunity and to expand their presence.

In April this year, Cameron Corporation of the US, one of the world's leading providers of oil and gas pressure control equipment, announced that it is to significantly develop and expand its existing manufacturing and research and development facility in Longford town, with the potential to create an additional 140 high quality jobs in engineering and support activities during the next five years. In addition, €15 million will be invested in new buildings and equipment. The company currently employs 241 people in Longford. IDA Ireland is an active participant in the county development board and collaborates with other stakeholders in the county to promote the infrastructure and environment for enterprise and job creation.

New indigenous companies have created new employment in the county. In August 2008, Kiernan Milling in Granard announced plans to extend its factory and will employ an additional 45 people. Turner Printing installed a fully automatic computer-to-plate system as part of its current modernisation programme. This has allowed it to bring the highest print quality to customers in Ireland and has contributed to recent overseas success. Industrial land recently procured by Turner Printing in the town will contribute significantly to future development. Butler Manufacturing Services, which is involved in the design and manufacture of waste water treatment products, recently expanded its factory to 25,000 sq ft for a major research and development programme.

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