Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in establishing a replacement industry for a company (details supplied). [5579/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The company has decided to close its chicken processing plant on 4 March next. There is overcapacity in the competitive chicken processing market. There is a trend towards consolidation into larger processing units. Further investment could not be contemplated because the plant was deemed to be small by industry standards. I understand that employees will be given an opportunity to take up alternative positions in Charleville, where a major expansion is taking place, and Listowel, where demand for workers is increasing. To get a replacement industry into the plant, it would need to be decommissioned and fumigated and to be made available as a vacant unit. Shannon Development, which is responsible for industrial development in the area, is ready and willing to explore and consider eligible business proposals from current employees or other parties. A small group has been established to represent the community's interest. Shannon Development and the local county enterprise board are working with the group on the future development of the area.