Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to bring replacement jobs and investment to Ballivor in particular and County Meath in general following the closure of the NEC plant; the reason the Government has apparently abandoned County Meath in its job creation and investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following the closure of the plant in question, finding alternative employment for the area and the county was a priority for the Industrial Development agencies. In this regard, a major financial services project which will provide 700 jobs was announced for Navan in 2006. This project will be of significant benefit to the whole county. Another financial services company, which announced the creation of 290 jobs in 2005, commenced operations in Navan last October having recruited 50 people for this location.

The facility in Ballivor is being promoted for new investment and three potential investors have been introduced to the management of this facility. The Development agencies continue to work with local interests to facilitate job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area. Indeed, I understand that a significant number of the former employees in Ballivor have found alternative employment with IDA Ireland supported companies in the Midlands and East.