asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if, in view of recent factory closures and difficulties in Galway city and county, he will arrange for the IDA to treat the area as a special priority one for the remainder of 1982.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Factory Closures.
9.
The Industrial Development Authority is actively promoting County Galway for new industry. In 1981, three new medium and large-scale industries for the county were approved with an investment in fixed assets of £6 million and an employment potential of 760 together with 45 small industry projects which had fixed asset investment of £2.6 million and employment potential of 373. The IDA also approved three service industries for Galway, under its international service industries programme, which are expected to provide over 140 new services jobs in the county.
In addition, the IDA owns over 200 acres of land in 13 locations and has a total of 293,000 sq. ft. of factory space at six different locations throughout County Galway, available for industrial promotion.
I asked my question about recent factory closures which I am sure the Minister is well aware of. Has there been a change in attitude by the IDA towards the west in general and Galway in particular over the last number of months and, if so, why?
I resist the implication in the Deputy's question that there is any antagonistic attitude to industrial development in Galway or anywhere else in the west on the part of the IDA.
Will the Minister give an assurance that no effort will be spared by the IDA to ensure that Galway city and county are promoted for industrial purposes?
I give the assurance but I do not think it is necessary.