asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take steps to provide an industry for the town of Millstreet, County Cork, which has suffered from unemployment and emigration and which has been completely ignored in industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Industrial Development.
44.
The Government provide generous incentives towards the establishment and development of industries in all areas. It is primarily a matter for the promoter of an industrial undertaking to choose its location and local interests should do their best to encourage promoters to set up industries in their own areas.
The Industrial Development Authority are aware of the facilities available in the town of Millstreet and advise industrialists of their availability in appropriate cases. A number of small industries in the area have already received grants under the small industries programme but local interests might consider whether they could make greater use of the programme. I can assure the Deputy that any sound proposals for the establishment of industry in Millstreet by local or other interests will receive the full support of my Department and of the Industrial Development Authority.
Could the Minister tell us what is the population of Millstreet? I understand that it has been increasing during the years and that there is very little unemployment there.
I would have thought the Deputy would know what is the population of Millstreet.
I know what it is.
Then, why ask?
Perhaps the Deputy would do something for his own town.
I am able to look after my own town very well.
Perhaps the Minister would tell us why some of the well-off supporters of Fianna Fáil do not set up industry there?
My information is that the total population of Millstreet at the time of the 1966 census was 1,316. I have no figures as to whether that has increased or decreased since then. The total number on the live register on 5th March of this year was 14 females and four males, making a total of 18.