David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1141: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses and factory closures announced in Youghal and Fermoy, County Cork respectively since 2002; the efforts he is making to secure new enterprise and employment opportunities in these towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3131/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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During the period in question, there were five closures / major job loss announcements in agency-assisted companies in Youghal involving over 700 jobs. Earlier this month, a further agency-assisted firm in Fermoy announced its intention to close its operation with the loss of 253 jobs. However, the most recent Live Register figures for Fermoy and Youghal show increases of less than 100 people in each town as against the figures in August, 2002.

Overall, from 2000 to 2005, I am aware that employment in agency-supported enterprises in Co. Cork increased from 37,898 to 39,658 giving a net gain of 1,760 jobs. Foreign-owned firms accounted for 986 of these gains and indigenous firms accounted for 774.

The Industrial Development agencies are promoting Fermoy, Youghal and the greater Cork region for industrial development. Fermoy's attractiveness has been greatly enhanced by the opening of the bypass which has improved accessibility to Cork city and its airport. Youghal is marketed as part of the broader East Cork area which includes Little Island and Carrigtwohill among others. In the last two years alone, there have been a large number of project and job announcements for Co. Cork. The recent Amgen announcement of 1,100 new jobs at an €820m facility in Carrigtwohill is of particular importance, being a major global project that has chosen Cork as its development location.

In addition, North Cork Enterprise Board and South Cork Enterprise Board have been very active in Fermoy and Youghal respectively. Activities in Fermoy include business development programmes and start your own business programmes. South Cork is involved in the Youghal Socio Economic Group which is developing a Strategic Plan for the town and surrounding area.

Finally, the full services of the Industrial Training agency FÁS are of course available to all workers who wish to avail of the agency's services. I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the Industrial Development agencies and local interests will continue to attract employment opportunities to the region.