asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious unemployment position in the town of Tullamore, County Offaly; and what plans he has to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tullamore (Offaly) Unemployment.
69.
The Government's awareness of the need for establishing new industries in Tullamore and other towns is evidenced by the valuable facilities provided to encourage the establishment and development of industries in all areas. It is for industrialists themselves to take advantage of these facilities and for local interests to encourage private enterprise to set up industries in their own areas. The Deputy will appreciate that it is impracticable for me to seek to direct a particular industry to any specific locality since the location of an industry is primarily a matter for the promoters concerned.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the Small Industries Programme has been extended to Tullamore, and I am hopeful that the operation of the programme will help to improve the employment position in the town.
The Deputy may rest assured that any sound proposal by local or other interests for the establishment of industry in Tullamore, as in other towns, will receive my most sympathetic consideration.