asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he or the IDA have any plans for the establishment of industry in Kilcock, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Industry.
23.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that there are no industrial projects under negotiation for Kilcock at present. However, in addition to the existing manufacturing enterprises in Kilcock itself, new employment opportunities will arise from the establishment of a sizeable new project—of which the Deputy is no doubt aware— at Celbridge.
Is the Minister aware there have been approximately 50 redundancies in recent weeks in Kilcock in the only major industry in the town and would he agree this necessitates a reassessment of the present policy adopted by the IDA in relation to Kilcock?
The major industry in the town increased its workforce considerably—by 230 in fact—during 1977 and that means industrial employment in Kilcock has increased quite considerably in the past nine months or so.
Would the Minister direct the attention of the IDA to the existence of industrial sites in the possession of Kildare County Council on the Courtown Road with a view to the possible erection of an advance factory there?
The IDA will be aware of that.