Written answers

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Job Protection

Photo of Tom FlemingTom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will, in conjunction with the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland intervene in the threatened closure of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry with a view to prioritising necessary supports and assistance to help the company continue to operate; and if all fails, if he will have arrangements made that an alternative employer be secured to replace the jobs that are currently under threat. [40620/12]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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At a meeting with the management of the company in question on the 13th September 2012, IDA Ireland was informed that the US based parent company had decided to exit the particular market in Europe. The company plans to sell as a going concern their European business interests in this sector which includes the manufacturing plant in Killorglin, Co. Kerry and a sales and R&D facility in Germany. Management confirmed that the plant will close by the end of 2012 with the loss of 30 jobs if a sale is not successfully concluded by then. Staff at the company have been informed of the decision to sell the operation and of the consequence of not being successful in this planned sale. Management will begin a formal process of consultation with staff and unions in the next few days.

As a result of the construction downturn in the US and Europe, the company have decided to consolidate their business units and concentrate on the market for traditional products and markets in the timber frame sector. The construction downturn has led to the Killorglin facility being on a 3 day week for much of the past 3 years. The building and land is owned by the company and IDA Ireland is aware that the company has engaged consultants to market both land and equipment as a going concern. IDA will continue to work with the company in their search for a new owner/purchaser to sustain the facility and staff. IDA will also look for opportunities to market the building through its overseas network.

Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies - IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland - will be critical in achieving economic growth. These activities will, in turn, create and protect existing jobs in the area.

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