Written answers

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Company Closures

10:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made by his Department for a replacement company to take over the NEC factory plant in Ballivor, County Meath; the efforts that have been made to date to aid staff in finding replacement employment opportunities within County Meath since their employment terminated after the NEC closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25059/07]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál 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 in October 2006.

The facility in Ballivor is being promoted for new investment and three potential investors have been introduced to the management of this facility. One of these companies is looking to relocate and expand its operation and the Ballivor facility remains on its short-list of property options.

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 and a small number of employees have returned to full time education. The State Development agencies and Meath County Enterprise Board are available to offer guidance and assistance to potential entrepreneurs wishing to set up new businesses. The Industrial Training agency FÁS has conducted one-to-one registration and guidance interviews with 323 former employees of the plant in question. The services of the agency continue to be available and all employees were given the contact details of their local FÁS office for follow up purposes.

The State Development agencies continue to work with local interests to promote investment opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued in County Meath by the agencies, together with the ongoing commitment to regional development, will maximise the flow of potential investors and convert these into investment and job opportunities.

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