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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 May 1977

Vol. 299 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Factory.

21.

andMr. Keaveney asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the advance factory in Carndonagh, County Donegal, will be occupied.

I am aware of the urgent need for new employment opportunities in Carndonagh. I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are promoting the advance factory in the town as a matter of priority and that they are prepared to offer exceptionally attractive incentives to a suitable project. Despite these efforts no such project has been secured to date.

Is the Minister aware of a new committee which has been formed and which perhaps will be of some use to him and to the promoters through the IDA? This is a new action group. Will the Minister draw the attention of the IDA to the rather depressing situation in regard to the failure to locate anything of a worth-while nature in Donegal for quite a considerable time, particularly when there is the unfortunate closing down of several useful projects that were giving employment in the past?

I cannot accept the characterisations of the activity of the IDA in Donegal just made by the Deputy. I find that in Donegal, in the period from April, 1972, to December, 1976, there were a total of 102 projects with a total fixed investment of more than £40 million. A total of £17½ million of that was grant commitment from State sources. That is a very substantial level of public effort with a satisfactory response. I know that in the Inishowen Peninsula there are specific difficulties for reasons that the Deputy might imagine, partly because of infrastructure, partly because of remoteness but partly because of proximity to the North. This is an area which is being very vigorously promoted. I regret the lack of success but I cannot accept that the matter is not being worked on by the IDA as one of the highest priority.

I made no allegation but merely drew the Minister's attention to the facts, the first of which is that, not going back to 1972 but going back during the past couple of years, factories have been closing, not opening. This situation applies not only to the Inishowen peninsula but to the entire county of Donegal which has always had more than its share of difficulties, difficulties that are not recognised by the Minister or any of his agencies.

In accordance with the Order, I am obliged to proceed to further business.

If the Minister for Justice wishes to be allowed to reply to his questions, we would be prepared to facilitate him.

As I have said, in accordance with the Order of the House, we must proceed to other business.

If there had not been so many unnecessary supplementaries, my questions might have been reached.

The Minister is lucky. I expect he will be back but on this side of the House.

In the likely event of there being no further Question Time during this Dáil, will it be possible for those Deputies who have questions on the Order Paper that are still unanswered to receive written replies?

The Deputies concerned will be so facilitated.

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