asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will discuss with the IDA the need for an advance factory in Raphoe, County Donegal, where there are 480 persons on the unemployment register.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Advance Factory.
293.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they have no plans at present to construct an advance factory at Raphoe, County Donegal.
The IDA are, however, vigorously promoting their existing vacant advance factories in Letterkenny and Stranorlar both of which are near to Raphoe.
294.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the steps the IDA are taking to obtain an industry for the vacant advance factory in Stranorlar, County Donegal.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they have been vigorously promoting the 27,000 sq. ft. advance factory at Stranorlar, County Donegal since its completion last June. The factory has been visited by seven overseas companies who have considered it as a possible location for their projects, but no firm proposals have yet emerged.
295.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if the IDA have any plans to set up a duty free industrial estate at any point along the Border area between Lifford and Muff, County Donegal.
The Industrial Development Authority have no plans to establish a duty-free industrial estate in Border areas or elsewhere in the country.
Question No. 296 postponed.
297.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he has plans to direct the IDA to set up a national scheme to encourage small service or manufacturing industries in areas designated for inner city renewal.
The industrial promotion programmes of the Industrial Development Authority for the cities of Dublin and Cork and of the Shannon Free Airport Development Company for Limerick are geared towards the creation of much needed employment with priority being given to the areas of greatest need.
Since 1979 the IDA have been pursuing a special programme of industrial development for Dublin inner city which includes the purchase of 34 acres of land and the construction of 430,000 sq. ft. of factory space at various locations. The aim of this programme is to provide 4,000 new jobs in the inner city over the period 1978-1982.
In 1980, the inner city group was established comprising representatives of various Government Departments and Dublin Corporation, to further the development of Dublin inner city. This group, which has been provided with a budget of £1.25 million is under the aegis of the Minister for the Environment who has primary responsibility for urban renewal. The IDA are considering proposals for the establishment of a craft centre in the Cork Inner City area. SFADCo has developed a new "Workspace" concept for Limerick inner city where both services industry and small manufacturing industry are being encouraged to develop their activities in a centralised environment with specialist advice available on marketing, production techniques and business management provided by SFADCo. To date, 20 projects have located in "Workspace" with a total employment potential of 100 people.