IDA rejects accusations of neglect from town

THE Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has shrugged off claims that it’s doing nothing to bring jobs to a part of Waterford that has been dealt a series of employment blows.

Fine Gael’s John Deasy received figures in the Dáil last week that show Dungarvan has received only four site visits from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) since 2002, compared with 39 visits to Waterford City.

The IDA disputes the figures, which were provided by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin.

South area director Brian Conroy said IDA records show six visits to Dungarvan in the past four years, three of those since April 2005, when job cuts were confirmed at Waterford Crystal.

“Our records show three visits have taken place since the closure was announced, and not one, as was claimed by Deputy Deasy,” added Mr Conroy.

He also pointed to the development of a greenfield “strategic site” at the deepwater port of Belview, near Waterford city, aimed at attracting a large-scale pharmaceutical or IT sector venture. He also made reference to the IDA’s 70-acre business and technology park in Waterford city.

In terms of Dungarvan itself, Mr Conroy mentioned German non-solvent paint producer Biopin, which built a plant in the town, two years ago, and is finally set to go ahead with plans to create 20 jobs there, manufacturing a paint ingredient.

In an interview on local radio, Deputy Deasy insisted, that the inter-agency forum, set up to attract industry to Dungarvan after the closure of Waterford Crystal, has not been successful.

“This government treats Dungarvan and the west of the county as an afterthought,” he said.

“They aren’t promoting Dungarvan as a destination for industrial development.”