Dáil Éireann - Volume 312 - 28 February, 1979

Written Answers. - Gorey (County Wexford) Factory Closure.

172. Mr. Corish asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy in view of the massive unemployment in Gorey following the closure of the Gorey Leather Company the efforts that are being made to have an industry placed in the advance factory at Gorey or to have another industry established in Gorey.

173. Mr. Corish asked the Minister for industry, Commerce and Energy the present position at Gorey Leather Factory, Gorey, County Wexford, where there is a dispute regarding the closure of this company; if he has any information regarding any other company interested in taking the factory over as a going concern; and if it will continue as a bovine leather factory.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy (Mr. O'Malley): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

I am aware of the serious loss of jobs involved in the closure of the Gorey leather company. As I indicated in reply to previous Parliamentary Questions on 8 February last, the Industrial Development Authority have assured me that priority is being given to securing a new project for the Gorey area and I understand [432] that a number of possibilities are being considered.

An international company has expressed an interest in the tannery but it is too early to say whether this will lead to a firm proposal. In view of the present uncertainties, it is not possible to say whether the Gorey leather company will continue as a bovine leather tannery.