asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the need to establish new industries in Waterford city and county; the steps he is taking to bring new industry to the city and county; and his plans in this regard.
121.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - County Waterford Industrial Development.
120.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the latest number on the live register in Waterford; the number for the comparable date in 1981; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together. I am informed by the Central Statistics Office that on 24 September 1982 there were 4,559 persons on the live register in Waterford city and county. The figure at 25 September 1981 was 3,675.
I am aware of the serious unemployment situation in Waterford city and County and am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that it is intensively promoting these areas for new industry. Since 1 January, 1978, 2,100 first time IDA grant aided jobs have been created in industrial projects in Waterford city and County. However, these job gains have been offset by job losses.
In 1981 IDA approved 89 projects for Waterford which have the potential to create 1,650 jobs at full production. In addition the IDA has 610 acres approx. of land and over 213,000 sq. ft. of factory space available for new industry in this area.