asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the IDA intend to provide an advance factory in Kanturk, County Cork in order to encourage industrialists to consider this neglected area for the establishment of an industry, thereby providing much desired employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Advance Factory.
23.
The Industrial Development Authority's advance factory programme does not provide for the establishment of an advance factory at Kanturk. Provision has, however, been made for the industrial development of the town in the authority's regional industrial plans for the south west region which were recently announced.
Is the Minister aware that the development association in that town have pursued all possible channels in the last ten years and they have not succeeded in getting anybody interested in establishing an industry? It is rather surprising that the IDA and the Department, being well aware of the situation, would not consider Kanturk for inclusion in the current list of advance factories. I am sure the Minister is aware that according to the recent census the population of that area has decreased. This is a matter of deep concern to everybody. We have got a lot of lip service but we have got no positive help from anybody.
I am disappointed by the Deputy's view of the development association in the Kanturk area because I understand that arising from their pressures and interest, in conjunction with the IDA, there is a live, active proposal being considered for Kanturk at present.
A by-election?
The Deputy may be aware of it.
I am well aware of that but we need not thank the IDA for it.
The Deputy was apparently condemning the local development association.
I was not. I am a member of that very active body. For the last ten years every channel has been examined to set up industry in Kanturk and we got very little positive help from the IDA.
Wait until the by-election.
My understanding is that the IDA are actively interested at the moment in a project for Kanturk.
Ten years after we started.