Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas as an deis an t-ábhar seo a ardú sa Seanad inniu. My concern is about the recent move of a factory in Gibbstown, County Meath, a Gaeltacht area, into better premises in Johnstown. This factory is in the ownership of Údarás na Gaeltachta and it is a tremendous pity it has moved from a Gaeltacht area to Johnstown, Navan, County Meath. The concern of the local community is that the factory premises be protected and secured. People are obviously worried about vandalism as it is in a quiet, rural area. They are also concerned that replacement jobs and industry be brought to Baile Ghib as a matter of priority by Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure its commitment not just to secure jobs but also to secure the Irish language in the area.

I do not know why the factory was moved. I presume it was moving to a better premises, but there has been talk in Gaeltacht circles that Údarás na Gaeltachta has a very strict policy on rents and is reluctant to reduce them. I do not know if that applied in this case and I have no evidence that it did. However, that has been suggested in a general way with regard to the Údarás. I look forward to hearing the Minister's response about this factory and whether there will be a replacement. In the meantime, the premises must be secured and maintained.