asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the loss of employment in the Waterford region, he will take steps to provide employment for people who become redundant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Industrial Employment.
10.
My Department, in conjunction with the Industrial Development Authority, are making every effort possible to secure industrial employment in Waterford to offset redundancies there.
Continued expansion of industry in Waterford is expected to create alternative job opportunities for most of the people who have become redundant. I have been informed by the IDA that at least 70 of the 126 laid off by Munster Chipboard in September have already secured new jobs and the 15 established firms are expected to need about 600 additional workers over the next 12 months.
In addition, construction has already started on a plant in Waterford city for Lawther Chemicals, which is expected to employ 30 men at full production. Building is due to start in March on the Whittaker Marine boat building plant at Grannyferry, Waterford. This industry will employ 330, mostly men, at full production.
The IDA regional industrial programme is continuing at a high level.
11.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take steps to establish industries in the West Waterford area, particularly in Tallow and Lismore; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the employment needs in the West Waterford area. The position is that the Industrial Development Authority in their regional industrial plans for 1973-77 have set a gross manufacturing job target of 250 for the towns of Lismore, Cappoquin, Tallow and Dungarvan. During 1973 there was a net increase in manufacturing employment in the area of 167 and I understand from the IDA that two existing firms in Dungarvan are expected to create an extra 90 jobs over the next 18 months.
In order to stimulate industrial development in the Tallow/Lismore area the IDA have identified a site for industry in Tallow and negotiations are in progress for its purchase.
Is there any cut-back in the moneys being made available to the IDA for the next 12 months?
That is a separate question. This is a specific question appertaining to certain towns in County Waterford only.
My information is that there is a substantial cut-back.
In fact, there is a very dramatic increase.