asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the IDA's proposals for County Wexford in the context of their latest plan to promote job creation there.
27.
Written Answers. - Job Losses and Unemployment in County Wexford.
24.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce in view of the continuing job losses during the last four/five years in the manufacturing industry in County Wexford, if he will indicate his proposals, if any, to redress the situation.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 27 together.
I am informed by the IDA which has accorded County Wexford priority status in its promotional efforts since January 1985, that it is intensively promoting the county both for large overseas projects and small industry. In particular, the IDA have intensified their efforts in the region through the establishment of the South East Small Industries Board and by the appointment of additional staff with specific responsibility for the development of small industry. In addition, the IDA are actively promoting a number of factory units and a total of 182 acres of land throughout the county for suitable industrial projects.
The results of this activity can be seen from the preliminary statistics of the IDA's annual employment survey which indicate that manufacturing employment in County Wexford increased by 300 since November 1985 to a current level of 5,000 (including seasonal jobs).
Specific examples of this activity are the three major projects for which grant assistance was approved in 1986, namely the new projects, Snap Tite and American Fence and the expansion by Sola ADC Lenses which are expected to create 280 jobs between them at full production.
In addition, to date this year 18 small industry projects in the county have been approved grant assistance by the IDA. These projects are expected to create 160 new jobs.
25.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if in view of the high unemployment levels in Enniscorthy town and district the IDA will proceed to build an advance factory for the town.
28.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if in view of the very serious unemployment problem in Enniscorthy town, County Wexford, he will ask the IDA to take urgent action to secure a suitable industry for the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 28 together.
I am aware of the unemployment situation in Enniscorthy and I am assured by the IDA that they are actively promoting the town for suitable new industrial projects. In this regard a company called Wenaas, which commenced production in Enniscorthy in July of this year, already employs over 40 people, and is expected to employ a further 20 people as the project gets into full production. I understand also that ten small industry projects in the Enniscorthy area were approved grant assistance by IDA this year and that these projects are expected to provide approximately 40 new jobs.
On the question of advance factory space, I am informed by the IDA that they have no plans to construct an advance factory at Enniscorthy at the present time. However, should the need arise they would be prepared to construct a factory to meet the specific requirements of an individual project.
26.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce in view of the high unemployment rate of almost 21 per cent in County Wexford, if he will designate the county as a maximum grant area for industrial development purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Limerick East): As the Deputy is aware, the question of designation generally was the subject of a National Economic and Social Council study which was initiated by my predecessor. The study was concerned with a review of the criteria for designation.
Subsequently the Economic and Social Research Institute were asked to produce a detailed review of the implications of the recommendations of the NESC report on designation. This ESRI report has been completed and is being examined in my Department. Until this examination is completed, it would be inappropriate for me to designate any further areas in the country.