Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

How much of the €11.7 million investment programme will be used to ensure the workforce in Coolock will grow in the future? Upskilling and replacement jobs are needed for those made redundant but is there a commitment to increase the number of jobs in the Coolock plant?

A number of food companies have closed in the area in recent years, including Chivers and Tayto nearby. These were iconic Irish brands and, although the Minister represents the area, he has done absolutely nothing since taking office to restore the high quality production jobs lost in Coolock. He referred to the number of jobs gained in Dublin but almost 65,000 have been lost under the Government and the previous disastrous Government. Cadbury under Donal Byrne and his successors was a strong supporter of local development. I was the founding chairperson of Coolock Development Council and I have been a long-time director. Has the Minister finally removed the threat to the business development manager grant, the provision of which was uncertain over the past year? It has produced many jobs on the ground in the Coolock area.

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