William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recent closure of a factory (details supplied); the engagement his Department and the IDA have had with the company prior to the announcement; the supports being put in place for the workers affected; the steps being taken to secure alternative employment or investment for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62202/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the enterprise agencies remain firmly committed to driving balanced regional development. Under its “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally” Strategy for 2025–2029, Enterprise Ireland (EI) aims to grow employment in client companies to 275,000, with a strong emphasis on regional job creation and scaling indigenous businesses across all counties. EI works in partnership with Irish businesses and the Food FDI Sector to help them grow and succeed from Ireland.

The company in question has confirmed its intention to cease manufacturing operations in its Portlaoise facility in the second half of 2026. Enterprise Ireland supported the establishment of the Portlaoise site and maintained ongoing engagement with the company but was not advised of any closure plans prior to the formal announcement. Since then, both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have engaged with the company to explore the potential reuse of the facility.

Enterprise Ireland offered activation of the Local Response Team, in line with the State's agreed job loss protocol. This coordinated approach is designed to streamline engagement and reduce duplication across agencies.

Supports available through the Local Response Team include:

• Outplacement and training services
• Skills profiling and availability timelines
• Recruitment connections with local and regional employers
• DSP/Intreo-led welfare and employment support sessions
• Access to further education and training
• Entrepreneurship supports
• Onsite Jobs Fair

My Department is working with IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Laois County Council, and other regional stakeholders to identify alternative investment opportunities for the site and to support broader economic development in the area. The facility remains a strategic asset within the National Enterprise Park at Junction 17.

My Department’s agencies will continue to support businesses in Laois and across the wider midlands region to succeed. Latest figures show that, as of 2024, there were 2,060 people employed in Enterprise Ireland client companies based in Laois, a 4.1% increase on 2023.

Enterprise Ireland’s partnership with the LEOs is also of critical importance in delivering support to all Irish businesses, growing the number of Irish exporters, and backing job creation nationwide. EI Regional Offices and the LEOs engage continuously to maximise opportunities for businesses, ensuring each company is being supported to reach its full potential.

IDA Ireland enjoys close working relationships with key stakeholders across the Midlands region and is heavily involved in a significant number of initiatives to improve the value proposition for FDI including Just Transition, the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, and the Regional Skills Forum.