Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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112. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions he will take regarding the potential loss of 70 jobs at a company (details supplied). [9840/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My sole focus since becoming Minister has been to create and protect employment. Recent figures confirm a growth in employment that is broad based with several sectors showing employment growth. While these are encouraging signs for the economy, we must continue to build on this progress and support further job creation.

My understanding is the issue of possible job losses in the company in question relates to an adjacent waste facility, which in their view, might have an impact on their business. In this regard, I should point out that issues concerning the enforcement of waste management legislation are matters for the appropriate regulatory authority and should therefore be pursued with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the relevant local authority, as appropriate.

I have nevertheless contacted Dublin City Council and I understand from them that they are satisfied that the waste facility in question is complying with the terms of its permit.

I have been informed by the City Council that the waste facility concerned applied for, and received, planning permission in June 2011 for a change of use and fit out of an existing disused light industrial building, for the purpose of handling non-hazardous waste. A Waste Facility Permit was granted in respect of the facility by Dublin City Council in March 2012. Despite a public advertisement and a site notice, there were no third party objections to the issue of this permit.

I have also been informed that the facility has been subject to a series of inspections by Dublin City Council staff. I understand that a number of issues were identified by the council prior to June 2013. However, I am informed that during six inspections since June 2013, no issues of concern were observed. I understand that the City Council is satisfied that the waste facility concerned is complying with the terms of its permit. While the company continues to raise concerns about the impact of the adjacent facility on its business my Department and its agencies have no power or role in the matter.

Finally, I have also consulted recently with Enterprise Ireland. I understand from Enterprise Ireland that they are continuing to liaise with the company concerned, as one of their client companies, and will continue to assist them in any way possible within the Agency’s statutory remit.