Fertiliser industry employment decline
The Minister attributed the employment decline to the closure of a Dublin plant, citing the parent company’s trading position and the plant’s competitiveness. He said Marino Point was expected to create 500 jobs and produce a net increase in industry employment; the effect of fertiliser imports was not identified as the main cause.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take with regard to the decline in employment of over 300 in the fertiliser manufacturing industry in the year 1976-77; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
The net decline in the numbers engaged in the fertiliser manufacturing industry is due to the closure of the Dublin works of one manufacturing company. At the time I made every effort to persuade the company concerned to reverse its decision.
The prospects for employment in the industry will be greatly enhanced when NET commence production at Marino Point in spring, 1978. This factory will create employment for 500 workers.
Comment on this
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the importation of fertilisers had any effect on the closure of the factory in Dublin that he has mentioned?
Comment on this
I imagine that the general trading position of the group of which the company was a member was a major factor in the problem and possibly as well other factors like the general competitiveness of the particular plant contributed to its situation. However, as I indicated, measures are being taken in regard to the use of our natural gas in the production of nitrogenous fertiliser to remedy the situation. When the Marino Point project comes into operation there will be a net increase in the total number of people employed in the fertiliser industry, even including the loss which resulted from the factory mentioned.