asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if, in view of the abnormally high level of unemployment in the Killorglin, Kenmare, Caherciveen and Dingle areas of County Kerry, he will in consultation with the Ministers for Finance, the Environment and Fisheries and Forestry, initiate without delay major schemes of public works embracing roads, bog development, water and sewerage schemes and forestry and fishery projects; and if he will also ask the IDA to intensify their efforts to secure new industrial projects for the vacant factory buildings in the region.
Written Answers. - Kerry Unemployment Level.
890.
I propose in my reply to deal only with matters which are the responsibility of my Department.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that it would not be practicable for the board to develop new bogs in County Kerry because the bogland is unsuitable for large scale operations. However, generous grants are available under the Turf Development Act, 1981, for small scale developments promoted by private or co-operative undertakings.
The Industrial Development Authority have a total of 30,000 sq. ft. of factory space and 25 acres of land available in the area which they are intensively promoting for suitable industrial development. A further 30,000 sq. ft. of factory space is planned for the area.