asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of applications received by the IDA from foreign industrialists for new industries in the 12 month period to 31st March, 1974.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Applications.
22.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if all applications for new industries made to the IDA from abroad are sent to each of the regional offices; and, if not, why.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1974, some 480 industrialists having approached the authority visited Ireland to investigate the possibility of establishing industries here. In the course of these visits industrialists do not necessarily visit each region. Some of them may have definite regional preferences, while others may have specific requirements which cannot be met in all regions. They are encouraged to visit the greatest possible number of locations, especially in the designated areas, but the final choice of the areas to be visited rests with the industrialist himself.
Can the Minister say how many of these inquiries were channelled towards the north-western region?
Approximately 50.