asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the position regarding the empty IDA advance factory in Clara, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Offaly Unemployment.
203.
Mr. Cowen
I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are vigorously promoting their two 3,000 sq. ft. small industry units and 10.5 acres of land at Clara, County Offaly, for suitable industrial projects.
204.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the very serious unemployment situation in County Offaly; the number of firms that have closed in the past 12 months in the county; the number of firms that have reduced their employment content in the past year; and if he will consider declaring the county a designated area.
I am aware of the serious unemployment situation in County Offaly. I do not, as yet, have available to me precise statistics relating to the number of firms that closed or reduced employment in 1983.
The IDA have over 80,000 sq. ft. of advance factory space available at six locations in County Offaly and 110 acres of industrial land at five locations in the County. SFADCo., who were given special responsibility for the promotion of small indigenous industry in west and south-west Offaly in 1980, have 20 acres of land and 10,000 sq. ft. of factory space, available for small industry. A further 10,000 sq. ft. of factory space in ten units is being built by SFADCo.
I am confident that by the full use of existing incentives the IDA and SFADCo will be successful in establishing industrial projects in County Offaly. I am not satisfied that designation of the county would be justified at this stage, bearing in mind the possible repercussions for other areas.