asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the widespread unemployment and further redundancy prospects, he will designate the urban area of Tullamore, County Offaly, similarly to that of Clara so as to attract interested parties for the establishment of industry in an effort to prevent the further increase of serious unemployment in the area; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Unemployment.
87.
Designation is an instrument that must be used sparingly. If an area is designated, inevitably there will be considerable pressure for extension of the concession to other areas, resulting in the erosion of the grant differential applied to areas already designated. In these circumstances I cannot see advantage at present in designating Tullamore.
As the Deputy is already aware, the construction of an advance factory for Tullamore has been undertaken by the Industrial Development Authority, who are making every effort to secure new industry for the town.