asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the need for industry in the Border town of Pettigo, County Donegal; and if he will take steps to ensure that an advance factory will be erected there.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Factory.
15.
The Industrial Development Authority in their regional industrial plans, 1973-77, are aiming at a gross manufacturing job target of 500 for the town grouping of Ballyshannon/Bundoran, Donegal, Glenties, Killybegs, which includes Pettigo in its catchment area. This is considered the most effective way of providing employment in industry for the people of the smaller towns in the area. Already nearly 45 per cent of this target has been achieved.
I understand from the IDA that there are no plans at present for the construction of an advance factory in Pettigo, County Donegal.
Would the Minister not admit there are other reasons too why this town which desperately needs employment for usual economic and social reasons and which is intersected by the Border, should be given some special treatment rather than be allowed to die or have its people move into the bigger towns of Ballyshannon or Donegal, quite a distance away? Would he not regard this as a special problem requiring special treatment because of the town's geographical position?
Let me say first that there is a vigorous creation of industry in the catchment area to which Pettigo belongs. With methods of transportation currently available certainly it is not desirable that people should move but there is work available for them. However, I am convinced from what the Deputy says that it is worth going back to the IDA and asking them, in view of the particular location, if they would re-examine the question.
In reference to what the Minister said in his last statement, is he aware that there is no public transport serving the town of Pettigo other than that from the Six Counties? It is actually cut off as far as public transport is concerned and to commute to Ballyshannon would require special transport. There is no public transport.
I was not specifically referring to public transport but I was not so aware until the Deputy drew my attention to it.