Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The construction jobs will be magnificent and afterwards there will be 50 to 100 jobs available, although we do not know the exact number. From a psychological point of view and from an international perspective, to locate this centre in Athenry, which is situated in the west of Ireland, would give hope and encouragement to those seeking employment in the region. Martin Shanahan, head of IDA Ireland, seemed to indicate that he is not that hopeful the project will go ahead. It will be for him and IDA Ireland to concentrate on bringing jobs to Athenry and the west of Ireland to compensate - if it happens - for the loss of the project. We should appeal to Tim Cook to reconsider the situation and proceed with the project. Last night, the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, stated in the Lower House that the project has not been abandoned and is part of our future. That should be confirmed because there are two conflicting views. The Taoiseach seemed pessimistic. It was not a good exercise to go there and come back with bad news. Normally, when Taoisigh go abroad on industrial missions, as I did myself, they normally come back with the bacon and not bad news.