Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 682: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in establishing a replacement industry at Kantoher, County Limerick, following the closure of a company (details supplied). [25760/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the company in question decided to close a chicken processing plant in March 2005, with the loss of 138 jobs and that the employees were offered an opportunity to take up alternative positions elsewhere. A group of local community representatives was established and, with advice from Shannon Development and the Limerick County Enterprise Board, the group entered into discussions with the company. Replacement companies have been identified that would be suitable for the Kantoher plant and I understand that progress will be made on this matter in the near future. In addition, the local group is finalising an application to FÁS to fund the hiring of an enterprise officer for the area. It is expected that the application will be submitted by the end of this month.

The State development agencies are also promoting industrial and business development in the area and are making every effort to ensure the creation of further employment. A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. Its sectoral emphasis in County Limerick is on attracting new knowledge intensive projects and, since 2004, there were 32 first time site visits to Limerick city and county. Shannon Development and the county enterprise board are also actively involved in trying to secure new investment for the area.