asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will have Ardee, County Louth designated as an area for payment of higher industrial grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Industrial Grants.
34.
I am aware of the urgent need to create additional employment in manufacturing industry in Ardee. However, I do not consider that designation would provide a solution to the employment problems of the area.
The Industrial Development Authority has adopted a comprehensive approach involving the provision of sites and factories, vigorous promotion of the area and the flexible use of the existing incentives to secure the necessary industrial development in Ardee. I believe that this is the correct approach to the problem.
I am informed by the IDA that a US company has commenced production in the advance factory in Ardee and will provide 40 jobs in the first year of operation. A number of additional projects, which could provide substantial employment opportunities, are currently under negotiation, and the IDA is continuing to promote the vacant textile factory in the town as a location for suitable new industry.
The IDA will continue to treat Ardee as a priority area until a substantial improvement in the local employment situation has been achieved.