Cappoquin replacement industry
Following the bacon factory’s closure and loss of 160 jobs, the IDA was considering Cappoquin for an advance factory and promoting it for a meat-processing plant, with other west Waterford locations also under promotion. The Minister promised personal attention and said the IDA was working to attract industry, but could not speak for the Department of Agriculture and ruled out higher grant-aid designation.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he will ask the IDA to proceed forthwith to erect a 27,000 square feet advance factory at their site in Cappoquin, County Waterford in view of the closure of the Cappoquin bacon factory with the loss of 160 jobs; and if he will also make every possible effort to see that an alternative meat-processing plant is located in the area.
8.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the need for industry in west Waterford in view of the closure of the bacon factory in Cappoquin; and the steps he is taking to get replacement industries for the area.
Comment on this
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that Cappoquin is among the locations being considered for an advance factory under their next programme for advance factory construction, which is at present being drawn up.
The IDA are giving priority to the attraction of new industry for Cappoquin and are also promoting the town for a suitable meat-processing plant. Apart from Cappoquin, other areas in west Waterford are also being actively promoted for new industry.
Comment on this
: I am sure that officials of the Minister's Department whom we have met have conveyed our concern to the Minister in this matter but I should like an assurance that he will take a personal interest in the promotion of such an advance factory and in the acquiring of an alternative meat-processing industry for the area?
Comment on this
: I will take a personal interest in the matter. I am aware of the circumstances but I am aware also of what is being done and I think there will be an improvement in the situation.
Comment on this
: Having regard to the substantial unemployment that has resulted from the closing of the factory and having regard also to the wide area that was served by the factory in terms of employment in west Waterford, can the Minister give us an assurance that the area will now be designated a priority area for industry so far as both the IDA and the Department of Agriculture are concerned?
Comment on this
: I cannot speak for the Department of Agriculture but the IDA are conscious of the needs of the area and are doing all they can to meet those needs as rapidly as possible.
Comment on this
: Is there any possibility of the area being designated for higher grant-aid purposes?