asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the reasons why Waterford did not receive a substantial share of the small industry approvals in 1978.
Written Answers. - Waterford Small Industries.
21.
During 1978 the Industrial Development Authority approved seven small industry projects, having a job creation potential of 118, for County Waterford. This level of small industry approvals compares favourably with other counties in the south-east region and with many other counties throughout the country during that year.
The full range of IDA incentives, including specially constructed advance factory units, is available to promoters of small industries in County Waterford. However, the level of project approvals in any county is affected by a number of other factors, principally the urban structure of the county and the willingness of the persons to take the risks entailed in the establishment or expansion of manufacturing ventures.
As part of their policy to encourage indigenous industry, the IDA in 1979 commenced a promotional campaign to encourage small industry development in the south-east region. The campaign, which was accompanied by extensive local publicity, involved attendance by IDA personnel at six centres throughout the region, including Waterford city and Lismore, to meet persons who might be interested in establishing small industries. The IDA have informed me that the campaign was very successful and that, based on the provisional results, the 1979 figures for small industry project approvals in County Waterford will show a large increase on the 1978 outturn.