This article is from page 15 of the 2006-05-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
ENTERPRISE, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin has confirmed that the process to clarify the new mandate for Shannon Development will be concluded shortly.
In response to a Dáil question from Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent, on the issue, Minister Martin said that the conclusion “would facilitate the implementation of the new mandate in the best interests of Shannon Development and the region as a whole”.
It is now almost one year since Minister Martin announced the new mandate for Shannon Development, which stripped the regional development agency of much of its functions.
Unions at the company stated that they would not engage with the company and a process of talks to clarify the new mandate ensued.
The chief aim of the unions is for Shannon Development to retain control of the Shannon Free Zone. Minister Martin is proposing that the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) assume promotional responsibility for new foreign direct investment.
It is understood that senior staff members met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern twice during the year, during which they expressed their concern over the new mandate. Local Fianna Fáil sources have said that Mr Ahern has taken the concerns expressed on board.
In his Dáil response, Minister Martin offered some hope to Shannon Development workers.
“The company will also continue to be responsible for providing appropriate property solutions for both indigenous and overseas enterprises throughout the Shannon region, and for the management and development of the Shannon Free Zone Industrial Estate.
He added: “I am aware of the concerns of unions representing staff at Shannon Development and accordingly facilitated discussions between my departmental officials and SIPTU to provide clarification sought by the union on aspects of my decision. I expect this process will be concluded shortly.”