asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the serious unemployment situation that exists in Arklow, County Wicklow; and the proposals, if any, his Department have to alleviate the problem.
Written Answers. - Arklow (Wicklow) Unemployment.
376.
I am aware of, and indeed, very concerned at, the level of unemployment in Arklow, County Wicklow.
The Industrial Development Authority are promoting Arklow on a priority basis for new industrial projects. The Authority recently acquired two sites totalling 22 acres of land on one of which a 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory is nearing completion. Part of the other site has been allocated to the local Chamber of Commerce which is sponsoring the development of five cluster units each of 3,000 sq. ft. for small industry which the IDA will promote for suitable projects.