asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the amount of money given to the IDA for industrial development in County Mayo since March 1973; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Industrial Development.
15.
Funds are not allocated to the Industrial Development Authority for industrial development in a particular area. Expenditure from IDA funds on such development in any area depends on the success of the authority's promotional efforts there.
In regard to County Mayo the Deputy may wish to know, however, that since March 31st, 1973, the IDA has entered into grant commitments of over £12 million in respect of projects located there. Actual expenditure to date has totalled £4,475,900. Part of this money was paid to companies by way of grant assistance and a further portion was used to acquire sites and build factories for industrial development.
The main achievement by the authority in the area has been the conclusion of negotiations with four overseas companies which will provide employment in the county for about 2,500 people when their plants reach full production. These plants are now either under construction or in production.