asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the advance factory at Granard, County Longford, is nearing completion; and if an industry to occupy it is in prospect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford Advance Factory.
49.
I am informed that the factory in question is expected to be completed shortly. I understand that a project has not yet been earmarked for the premises but the Industrial Development Authority are doing their best to secure one.
Could the Minister do for Granard what he did for Clara on a famous occasion? Unemployment is nearly as high at Granard and it is traditionally so and it would be a great boost to the morale of the entire area of north Longford if an industry could be directed to that factory as soon as it is completed.
I was unaware that Granard had a disastrous closure such as that which hit Clara.
It is a traditional area of high unemployment.
Clara was not a traditional area of high unemployment. It suffered the closure of an industry, a fact which makes a difference. The decision to place an advance factory in Granard was and is an indication of the State's interest in ensuring that the earliest possible opportunity will be taken of establishing an employment-giving industry there. As I said, the IDA are actively engaged in doing this at present.