asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has firm proposals for the establishment of a new industry in Ardee, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Industry.
33.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that it is at present negotiating with an industrialist who is interested in setting up a project in the 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Ardee. I understand, however, that negotiations have not yet reached an advanced stage and a detailed proposal has yet to be submitted to the IDA by the promoter.
I have also been informed that there are promoters interested in leasing part of the vacant technical school in Ardee for a textile operation and that negotiations on this are continuing between the promoters, the county council and the county development team.
In the meantime the IDA are continuing their active promotion of Ardee with a view to securing new industry for the town. During 1975, 34 industrialists visited the town on IDA itineraries and so far this year there have been visits by four other industrialists.
Would the Minister agree that this is a very urgent matter as the unemployment situation in Ardee is exceptionally bad?
I entirely agree with the Deputy. As I said in my reply, there were 38 visits and that is an index that my Department recognise the position and are doing their utmost to solve the problem.
The fact that so many industrialists visited but nothing came of those visits is not, the Minister will agree, a very happy position for Ardee. Is the Minister aware that there is very high feeling in Ardee as a result of a report that an industry, known as the Ardee Spinning Company, which had acquired land in Ardee and was believed to be prepared to set up an industry there, was later directed towards another town?
I am not familiar with the matter but I shall certainly try to find out what the position is. I have nothing in my brief about it. I should say that industrialists have freedom of choice. They are urged and guided but there is no question of directing them. We do not have that power. I would be surprised, knowing the need in Ardee, if there had been any attempt at directing an industry away from Ardee.
If the Minister finds out, perhaps, he would let me know the position.
I certainly will.