Written answers

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Grant Aid

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all the grant aid supplied to a company (details supplied) over the past five years; the purpose and the amount of each grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14591/14]

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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122. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to intervene with a company (details supplied) to attempt to retain jobs in County Donegal after the announcement that the plant intends to move its manufacturing operation from Gweedore to Ashbourne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14593/14]

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.

At the outset, I wish to reiterate that I am very disappointed at the announcement made by the company referred to by the Deputy on 14 March 2014. I regret the company's decision to enter into a period of consultation with its employees in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, with a view to relocating its manufacturing operation from Gaoth Dobhair to the company's main plant in Ashbourne, County Meath. I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta is working closely with the company to minimise the effects of the decision on the workforce in Gaoth Dobhair. As a result of the proposed relocation, I understand that 70 employees in Gaoth Dobhair will be offered the opportunity by the company to transfer to positions in Ashbourne. Údarás na Gaeltachta has established a working group with key stakeholders, including my Department, Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority, in order to identify alternative employment opportunities for those concerned.

With regard to the question of grant aid, I have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that it has paid a total of €1.032m to the company in question over the past 5 years, comprising the following: €410,000 for research and development; €550,000 for capital investment; and €72,000 for training.

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