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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1986

Vol. 370 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Enterprise Development Centre for Drogheda.

9.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will sanction the construction of an enterprise development centre in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

39.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will have an enterprise development centre constructed in Drogheda, County Louth.

(Limerick East): I propose to take oral Question No. 9 and written Question No. 39 together.

The provision of facilities for industrial development is the responsibility of the Industrial Development Authority.

I understand from the authority that they have no plans at present to build an enterprise centre in Drogheda but that they would be willing to consider assisting local community groups in the provision of such a centre subject to a planned and co-ordinated approach from the local community. IDA have a working agreement with the Youth Employment Agency whereby the agency take the lead role in community initiatives and manufacturing proposals arising from these initiatives are then referred to IDA for consideration. IDA assure me that they would be pleased to hear of any such manufacturing proposals which might arise in Drogheda in this context.

Is the Minister aware of the serious unemployment problem in Drogheda? Will he agree that it is time the Government took an initiative in that area to encourage industrial development?

(Limerick East): There are vacant small premises in Drogheda that are privately owned. They comprise a total of 50,000 sq. ft. and the units range in size from 2,000 sq. ft. to 18,000 sq.ft. The IDA's north east regional office in Dundalk has a list of those vacant premises and will consider giving grant assistance towards renting and modifying them provided suitable manufacturing projects can be found for them. As well as that there is a community-led initiative where normally the YEA would take the lead and the IDA will be very glad to cooperate in the establishment of an enterprise centre, as suggested in the question.

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