Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions he has had with IDA Ireland or other statutory agencies regarding the closure of a plant (details supplied) in County Kerry, particularly on the future use of the vacated premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2682/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It was with regret that I learnt of the announcement by Sara Lee on 13 January 2005 that it intends to close its plant in Killarney, County Kerry, by March 2005 with the loss of 92 jobs. I understand that the premises is owned by the company. I assure the Deputy that the development agencies under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would be happy to work with the company to market the facility through their national and international network of offices. FÁS has contacted the company and will make available its full range of services to the workers who are to be made redundant. In this regard, FÁS has arranged to attend the plant this week to register workers.

The industrial development agencies are continuing to promote the region actively to potential investors from the manufacturing and international services sectors. IDA Ireland has completed site development works on its 4.66 hectares business and technology park at Tiernaboul in Killarney, to continue to improve the attractiveness of Killarney as a location for inward investment. The work, which cost approximately €1 million, has resulted in the upgrading of the overall appeal of the location. A local group of business people has completed a new 14,716 sq. ft. building on the park under the business expansion scheme. IDA Ireland is actively marketing this facility to potential investors.

Enterprise Ireland has offered support in helping to identify and provide support for potential start-ups which may exist from within the workforce. The agency has met the mayor of Killarney to discuss assistance for potential start-ups. It has had an initial meeting with officials of Killarney Chamber of Commerce to explore a strategy to develop a replacement industry for the town.