asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on progress to date in the siting of the proposed industrial estate for Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Industrial Estate.
24.
The setting up of the industrial estate in Galway is the responsibility of An Foras Tionscal. As suggested in the Report of the Committee on Development Centres and Industrial Estates it is envisaged that An Foras will lease a site for the estate from the local authority.
A technical appraisal of possible sites was carried out by representatives of An Foras Tionscal, the Regional Development Committee, and Galway Corporation in November, 1965, and a recommendation was made. An Foras Tionscal, however, expressed certain reservations about the site envisaged and suggested an alternative site. This alternative was found on investigation to be unsuitable for development. In this situation a special meeting was arranged by the Regional Development Committee which included representatives of the Committee, An Foras Tionscal, Galway Corporation and County Council and my Department to consider the position. The meeting was held on the 7th June, 1966, when it was decided that a comparative assessment should be made by An Foras Tionscal of the cost of using alternative sites with a view to a decision on site selection. It is understood that this assessment is in hands by An Foras.
From inquiries made the present position is understood to be as follows:
(a) the referencing by the Corporation of the original site is well advanced. The referencing of the alternative site at Ballybaan will be undertaken as soon as the area is more clearly defined;
(b) the Corporation have supplied An Foras with a contour map of the original site and are arranging to provide a contour map of the Ballybaan area also.
Would the Minister state why he has not mentioned the other site in the Shantalla area, on the west bank of the Corrib, which has been decided upon by Galway Corporation?
The information I have given and the references I have made are based on the information I have received arising from these various committee meetings.
A decision has been taken to have another site on the west bank of the Corrib.
In relation to this industrial site in Galway, very many different sites are being mentioned and no decisions are being made. The result is that the building of private houses is being held up because anywhere there is talk of putting this industrial estate, the local authority will not give outline planning permission in respect of that area.
That is not a question.
It is very difficult to get sites for private houses in Galway because so many sites are being considered for this industrial estate.
The Deputy is making a speech.
(Cavan): Surely the Deputy is aware there is no money?