asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the severe industrial depression affecting towns in County Louth such as Dundalk, Ardee and Drogheda; and if he has any plans to tackle the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Industrial Depression.
13.
(Limerick East): I am aware of the position concerning the towns mentioned by the Deputy. I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are continuing their drive to attract new overseas industry to the area, to stimulate further growth of indigenous industry and to provide a solid foundation on which a thriving and enterprising small business sector can grow.
These efforts have brought about the recent announcement that Tatung Company of Taiwan have now signed agreements to establish a new consumer electronics facility in Drogheda. This project is expected to provide 200 new jobs within the first two years of production and this is scheduled to commence in the middle of next year. It is hoped that a further 400 jobs will be created over the following three years if the project proceeds as planned.
Earlier this year IDA approved grant assistance for a major development plan by Ecco Limited in Dundalk, involving an investment of £17 million and expected additional employment of 280 by 1990.
Also during 1985 other projects including Keytronic Limited, Riverside Manufacturing, C. Step and Panex were approved grant assistance and commenced production in the area. In addition the establishment of the North East Region Small Industries Board has given a local impetus to the promotion of small industry. The board approved 20 such projects in County Louth during 1985 with estimated total employment of 200 at full production. To date in 1986 it has approved 15 such projects with an estimated employment of approximately 80 at full production.
The IDA will, through its comprehensive range of incentives for manufacturing industry continue to promote County Louth and its resources as a location for new industrial projects.
Does the Minister accept that the Dundalk region has the highest unemployment in Ireland? In view of the unacceptable figure of 27 per cent, does the Minister believe that a Border policy or a development plan is justified for the area? Does he further accept that the Border area is not a priority with the IDA and that areas such as Cork and Castlebar are target areas whereas Dundalk on some occasions is not visited?
I will allow a short reply.
(Limerick East): I am aware that County Louth has particular problems due to the particular form of indigenous industry which it previously had and also due to its proximity to the Border and the cross-Border troubles. The IDA are actively promoting County Louth and I have listed the successes of the IDA in recent months in attracting industries to the county. I can assure the Deputy that County Louth will continue to be an area of high priority for the IDA.
I must now move to questions nominated for priority.