asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any proposals were received in his Department over the past 30 years for the establishment of industries in the towns of West Cork; what consideration they got; and when it is proposed to establish such industries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Development in West Cork.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the case of private enterprise projects, it is the promoters who decide whether or not to establish the industries. It was because it was recognised that areas such as West Cork had not succeeded to the desired extent in attracting new industries that the Undeveloped Areas Act was enacted in 1952. The body established to administer that Act—An Foras Tionscal—will give full consideration to any sound proposal that may be submitted in relation to the area.