asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that industrial employment has practically ceased in Freshford, County Kilkenny, because of the closure of three industries, he will consider its inclusion in the Ballingarry designated area for grant purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Freshford Industrial Employment.
17.
I am aware of the loss of industrial employment occurring over the past few years in Freshford. I am advised, however, that the Industrial Development Authority has approved an expansion of the Avonmore/Avongate complex in Ballyragget which will result in an additional 140 jobs being available there by mid-1975. This will benefit Freshford because of its proximity to Ballyragget.
The IDA will, of course, also be using its existing grant powers to attract suitable new projects to locate in Freshford. In these circumstances, I do not consider that the industrial situation in Freshford warrants designation.
Is the Minister aware that about 80 industrial workers have lost their jobs in Freshford in recent times, especially in the last year or so, and Freshford's proximity to Ballingarry, which is a designated area for grant purposes, should make it amenable to inclusion in that area for grant purposes?
I am, indeed, aware of the extensive redundancies that have occurred in Freshford. I made the point—perhaps it is worth putting on the record—that the distance from Freshford to Ballyragget is five miles and there are 140 new jobs in Ballyragget coming up to full employment over the next few months. While I appreciate the point the Deputy makes in regard to the extension of the Ballingarry designated area, I would point out—this is something of which to be aware—that I cannot change currently designated areas without, and I do not put it more precisely than this, inviting a scrutiny which, for reasons the Deputy will appreciate, I am not anxious to do. I said it was better not to put it on the record.
It sounds menacing The Minister is conscious, no doubt, of the fact that there is a likelihood of a sharp drop in milk supplies in the coming year to the Avonmore plant and, for that reason, does he still say the extra jobs will be there?
In this context I am relying on a brief very recently prepared for me and on the information made available by the Industrial Development Authority which indicates the figures I have given to the House.