asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce how long the advance factory in Carndonagh, County Donegal, is empty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Advance Factory.
17.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the advance factory in Carndonagh has been vacant since it was completed in July, 1973.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary let the public know, at some future date if the information is not available to him now, what efforts have been made over these last three years by anybody in a public capacity to do something about this or to push the Government to do something about it?
I am glad to do so now. The IDA are offering very special terms in relation to the filling of this advance factory at Carndonagh. They have taken the exceptional step of offering it to a potential industrialist rent free for the first two years of its operation there. They have also indicated that they are prepared to go to the very maximum of 60 per cent in relation to any grants they might make available for the development of an industry there. In discussions with the IDA on this matter this very day I have been assured that, in every case where it is reasonable, pressure is put on any industrialist coming to the country for whom this site might be suitable to put it on their itinerary. Of course, there is a limit to what one can do, as industrialists going on itineraries around the country are, in the ultimate, free agents. However, I can tell the Deputy that nine industrialists have been brought to the factory in question and that grants were approved for a particular project last year to locate here, but unfortunately that project could not go ahead due to the general world recession.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether it might not be very much to the material and economic advantage of the Inishowen peninsula and Donegal North East in particular if the writ was delayed a little longer, and we might have a lot more industry by the time it is moved?
It may interest the Deputy to know that in 1975 £1,900,000 was spent by the IDA in Donegal as against £408,000 in 1972-73.
These were of course for industries that were previously approved over the years. I would like to ask a final supplementary regarding this Carndonagh factory that is now being offered rent free. Since when has the IDA decided to make it rent free and what means are they taking to make it known that it is rent free? Was this decision just taken when the Parliamentary Secretary visited the IDA today?
No. The text of the information given to me by the IDA, which I am quoting, is that the IDA have been offering the factory for the initial two years of tenancy, and I infer from that that it has been the case for some time.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
We would agree to take No. 18.
On a point of order. Could I ask if an opportunity will be afforded to the Members of the House to congratulate Deputy Thornley on his stand last Sunday——
That is not in order.
We do not get much opportunity——
Order. Question No. 18.