asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the high rate of unemployment in Limerick City and County, he will give favourable consideration to including both in the undeveloped areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Unemployment.
In the case of West Limerick and certain other areas similar in economic conditions to adjoining areas set out in the Undeveloped Areas Act, 1952, I indicated during the passage of the Act that if a concrete proposal were submitted for the establishment of an industry it would be referred to An Foras Tionscal for consideration. I also said that I would be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to the making of an Order bringing the area within the scope of the Act if An Foras Tionscal indicated that the project was of a kind for which the making of a grant would be favourably considered if it were located in an undeveloped area. That is still the position.
It would not, however, be appropriate to extend the scope of the Act to include Limerick City and the remainder of County Limerick.
Is the Minister aware that Limerick City is now in the invidious position of having to compete, on the one hand, with the attractions and inducements of the undeveloped areas which come within ten miles of it, and on the other hand the attractions of Dublin to which most industries wish to come? Having regard to that would the Minister not consider, if he received a firm proposal, including Limerick City and County in the undeveloped areas?
It would obviously be impracticable to deal with this matter by extending the scope of the Act. Perhaps Limerick City might advertise its attractions.