asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps that are being taken by the IDA to attract new industry to (a) Ardee and (b) Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Industry.
35.
I understand that the Industrial Development Authority are continuing to give priority attention to the securing of a project for the advance factory in Ardee. Thirtythree industrialists were taken to visit the factory during 1976 and negotiations are continuing with a number of these companies.
With regard to Dunleer, I am informed that the authority are at present endeavouring to purchase a large strategic site in County Louth which would be suitable for industrial development and which would be within commuting distance of Dunleer. Dunleer will also benefit from recent developments in Drogheda where new companies already in production will provide an additional 1,000 jobs over the next few years. In addition, I understand that negotiations for a further major industrial project to locate in Drogheda are at a very advanced stage.
Would the Minister agree that the area in which these towns are situated is, relatively speaking, one of the worst hit by unemployment? I am sure he is aware that a number of industries have closed down and that the numbers employed in existing industries have fallen quite considerably. Would he agree that in those circumstances an extra special effort is needed to provide new employment in that area? Would he keep in close contact with the IDA to ensure that they continue their efforts to supply new industries for that area?
What the Deputy says about the effects of the recession on County Louth is right. There is no question but that it is one of the most seriously affected areas in the country. The Deputy will be aware, as I am, of the difficulties in attracting as many new industries as we would like. I can promise him that this is a matter of which the IDA are very well aware and I will keep them aware of it. What I have said is evidence of a considerable concern. In my view the large strategic site I mentioned will be important. I hope the new Drogheda development, about which I cannot be more specific now, will come to fruition. This part of the country deserves, and is receiving, maximum priority and I will keep in touch with the IDA about it.
Could the Minister give any idea why it has been so difficult to find an industry for the advance factory in Ardee which has been built for a number of years? He will appreciate that this is having a depressing effect in the area.
The fact that 33 industrialists were taken to visit the factory in 1976 is an indication of the very serious efforts being made by the IDA to fill it. I found that, in general, proximity to the Border constitutes a difficulty. I say that with regret, but it is so. In fact, it is the reason special efforts had to be made in areas so located. The figures for industrial promotion bear that out. It is not that less effort is put into it; there is more. But there is a real defect which is visible there.
I cannot accept what the Minister says. Is he aware that across the Border from Dundalk, in Newry, new industries have been established? I assume that industrialists would feel less apprehensive about going to Dundalk than they would about going to Newry. In those circumstances, I am particularly anxious that this reputation which the Border areas seem to have acquired should be dealt with in a statement by the Minister——
Brevity please.
The Minister is aware that there is no foundation for the fears which some industrialists appear to have regarding the possibility of certain problems.
I have asked for brevity.
I understand that the IDA and my Department have done the maximum in regard to those areas. In referring to the impression that industrialists have in respect of Dundalk the Deputy, I think, acknowledges that those fears exist and constitute a real barrier. In Northern Ireland certain industries have been established near the Border as has been the case, too, on the Southern side; but the fact remains that in regard to both sides, development in this field has been much less than we would all wish for. On both sides, too, the prevailing atmosphere of violence is damaging to industrial investment. In their recent report the Northern Ireland Office have been frank about this.
I cannot accept that——
I am calling Question No. 36.
——a greater effort might not have been made on the part of the Minister and the Department to explain the situation abroad.
I can assure the Deputy that there has been no lack of effort on the part either of the Department or of the IDA in this regard.