asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the uneconomic circumstances of West Cork, he will formulate or ask the Industrial Development Authority to formulate schemes for the introduction of some type of industry in the West Cork area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Industries.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if it is his Department's intention to recommend the establishment of an industry in or near Ballina. County Mayo, to absorb the unemployed there.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
The measures which may be required to facilitate and encourage the establishment of industries in western counties are under consideration. In the meantime promoters of new industrial projects will be made aware of the general policy of the Government to favour development in those areas.
Is the Tánaiste aware that in the whole area of West Cork, including as it does a number of provincial towns, there is not one industry of any description, and that this is an area in which emigration has had its toll; will he say whether it would be possible for him in his capacity as Minister for Industry and Commerce, either by way of giving some preference or by way of some sympathetic direction from his office, to find some industrial outlet for that area?
Is the Minister aware that by leaving the establishment of industries to private enterprise and speculators he is divesting himself of the responsibility he shouldered?
I made it clear that consideration is being given at present to the possibility of providing special measures to facilitate or to encourage industrial development in those areas. These measures may possibly include proposals for legislation.
The long period is very discouraging.
May I ask the Tánaiste if he will consider the possibility of the development of the Bangor-Erris area from the point of view of utilising turf for electricity generation in conjunction with any plans for industrial development of the North Mayo area?
As I have already stated in reply to the question, that matter has been considered, but the development of the Erris area is not at present in the programme of the Electricity Supply Board and that means that some delay must necessarily occur before any development can take place, but the matter is being considered.
I would suggest that the two matters should be considered together.
May I ask the Tánaiste is it his intention to abolish the Industrial Development Authority as it is at present constituted?
That is a separate question.
I would require notice of that.