asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the urgent need for the establishment of a manufacturing industry in Baltinglass, County Wicklow; and, if so, whether he will state the extent to which his Department will be prepared to co-operate with local enterprise in the establishment of an industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Enterprise in Baltinglass.
Officers of my Department discussed with local interests from Baltinglass on two occasions early this year the matter referred to by the Deputy. All the information at my disposal and a promise to assist in any way open to me were then given to them. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not within my power to take steps to establish an industry in any particular area. The initiative must come from local interests. All I can do, and I have already promised to do this, is to give any facilities within my power to help local interests in the establishment of whatever industry they may consider suitable for this particular area.