asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the industrial proposals at present before the IDA for areas on the western seaboard of County Clare; and if any immediate action can be taken to halt the decline in population from this part of the county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Clare Industrial Proposals.
57.
I am informed by the IDA that two expansion projects are under way for the area in question and are expected to provide a total of 200 jobs when in full production. The Deputy may be assured that the IDA are doing everything possible to attract industry to all parts of the country, including County Clare.
Would the Minister indicate the particular locations of the projected industries?
One is at Kilrush and the other at Ennistymon.
Is the Minister aware that a factory which was supposed to be sited in the Kilrush district in 1972 was not allocated because another company independently promoted and established a factory there and that this kind of procedure is not in the best interests of the working population there? Is the Minister aware that 960 fewer people reside in this rural district now than in 1966 when the previous census was taken? Does the Minister not consider this is a very serious problem and that the decline should be corrected?
I understand from the Deputy that a different factory was established in 1970. That is all to the good.
Is the area to be penalised because something that was not proposed was established?
No, the area is not being penalised by getting an additional factory.
Can we anticipate that areas other than the growth areas already designated will be helped as a result of the introduction of the EEC regional policies.
I think there is no doubt whatever about that.