asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will outline the IDA's proposals for Counties Laois and Offaly in the context of their latest plan to promote industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industrial Development.
45.
In its Industrial Plan 1978-1982, the Industrial Development Authority set a target of 1,200 new grant aided jobs for County Laois and 1,800 for County Offaly. In the first four years of the plan — Janaury 1978 to January 1982 — 1,263 jobs were created in County Laois and 989 in County Offaly, representing 105 per cent of the target for County Laois and 55 per cent for County Offaly.
In addition, during the past two years, a number of new or expanding projects were secured for these two counties. A substantial proportion of the associated jobs have yet to be provided.
During 1980, the Shannon Free Airport Development Company's role in the promotion of small indigenous industry was extended to the area of west and south-west Offaly. This area has been particularly badly affected by a lack of industrial development. Since then SFADCo has approved for grant assistance 25 small industry projects with the potential to create 250 jobs.
At present 70 acres of industrial land are available for development at five locations throughout County Laois and in County Offaly the IDA have five sites totalling 115 acres. In County Laois the IDA have over 75,000 sq. ft. of factory space at Portlaoise, Mountrath and Rathdowney and in County Offaly they have over 90,000 sq. ft. available at Tullamore, Edenderry, Clara and Birr. These facilities are being vigorously promoted by the IDA for suitable industrial projects.