Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 958: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department will take to off-set the major loss of industry in the South Kildare and Carlow region; the meetings he or his officials have had with the various companies involved in regard to seeking a solution to resolving the redundancies of those effected; the results of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29396/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am very concerned about the job losses in the companies concerned and the impact on the workers, their families and the local communities. Finding alternative employment for the workers is a priority for the State Development agencies and accordingly IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward. The role of the training agency FÁS is particularly important and, depending on the company concerned, FÁS either has been or will be actively engaged in providing a career guidance service and training for the employees effected.

To date, IDA Ireland has invested almost €11.5 million in developing the Carlow Business and Technology Park. This includes a 17,000 sq. ft advance office building which was completed last November. Discussions are on-going with a number of potential investors. In June of this year, I announced that €300,000 had been approved for an expansion of Carlow Community Enterprise Centres Ltd. Funding has also been provided for an Economic Promotion and Development Officer in Carlow.

As regards Kildare, a number of world class manufacturing companies have located there in recent years. I am aware that there are 25 IDA supported companies in the county employing nearly 11,000 people. Last October, I opened the first phase of a major new €40 million commercial business park in Athy which is having widespread positive implications for the development of Athy and the wider Kildare region. This Athy Business Campus will extend to about 16 acres and is due for completion in 2009.

I am satisfied that the ongoing efforts of the Industrial Development agencies, including the County Enterprise Boards will continue to bring investment and job creation opportunities to the areas in question.