David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action her Department and State agencies are taking to generate employment in Youghal, County Cork in view of the recent closure of a factory (details supplied) there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44458/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the 5th of November 2009 Tytex announced its decision to workers to close its operation in Youghal, County Cork, which will result in the loss of over 75 jobs. FÁS are in contact with the company, and will offer a range of supports to assist those losing their jobs to secure alternative employment.

The industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, continue to work to secure new investments for the Cork area. IDA Ireland actively promotes the advantages of locating in Cork to overseas investors, which include a young skilled workforce, the presence of a University and Institute of Technology, and the availability of first class business parks, good infrastructure and an international airport.

There has been very significant investment in both the pharmaceutical/ medical technology sectors and in the information and communications technology sector in the Cork region over the last number of years. Most recently the foreign direct investment base has expanded with the addition of software, customer support and shared services activities, collectively known as Globally Traded Business.

There are currently 132 IDA supported enterprises in Cork City and County. Recent announcements of new investments in Cork include Big Fish Games, Hovione, Solarwinds, Apex Fund Services, and Marriott International. These projects will significantly add to the value and depth of the overseas industry in Cork. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Cork to encourage the expansion of their operations. The success of this is demonstrated by the recent expansions of several companies in the county including McAfee, Blizzard, Gilead, Boston Scientific, Trend Micro, Alps Electric, Option Wireless, Alcon, Pfizer, EMC, Siemens, dePuy Arris and Alcon.

Despite the difficult global conditions which are impacting on international companies, Cork continues to demonstrate its attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment with over 850 new jobs having been announced in IDA supported client companies in Cork since the beginning of 2009.