Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I wish to share my time with Senator Brennan. It is disappointing that a liquidator has been appointed to Castlemahon Foods Limited. We have to remain optimistic that the liquidator might be able to save some of the jobs or that an alternative owner can be found.

Castlemahon Co-op was established in 1920 and entered poultry production in 1960. This internationally recognised brand has been synonymous with poultry for the past 50 years. O'Kanes, which is based in the North of Ireland and took over the plant more than 20 years ago, has claimed that the plant has been losing money for the past few years. However, many in the area would contend that capital investment has been lacking compared with the parent company's plant in the North of Ireland. We have reached the point where the liquidator has moved in and there are fears for the future of the 350 workers employed in the production plant, mill and hatchery. Producers and breeders are equally concerned because many are farmers who earn their main incomes from supplying the plant. In January 2005, Kantoher Chickens closed down only a few miles away with the loss of 150 jobs. The future of an area which was synonymous with the production of poultry therefore looks bleak.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, visited the constituency recently with regard to a plant in Newcastle West which was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by its parent company. The last plant to be established in west County Limerick was the bicycle helmet company, Gyro, in 1990. All that remains of that company in Newcastle West is a marketing unit employing four people. The people of the area are concerned about the lack of industrial development, and significant pressure is being put on public representatives in that regard.

Some time ago, I wrote to the Industrial Development Authority on the matter, only to receive an extremely disappointing response comprising a thesis on industrial policy without any reference to the jobs poverty that exists in County Limerick. That will have to change and the pressure is on the Minister to create jobs in the area. I am interested in the response from the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Killeen, because I am sure consultations have taken place between his Department and the liquidator with a view to determining whether any hope exists for the workers in Castlemahon as they face into the Christmas period. I hope my hopes will be raised by the end of this debate.