asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps, if any, he is taking to create jobs in the Tallaght area of Dublin 24 having regard to the very high unemployment rate there which is well above the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
150.
I am aware of the high unemployment level in Tallaght and I am assured by the IDA that they are doing their utmost to promote industrial development in the area.
At the moment 5,500 persons are employed in grant aided industry in 86 companies in the Tallaght area.
In addition the Tallaght Enterprise Centre has been very successful. Eighteen units have been constructed comprising a total of 27,263 sq. ft. 12 of these units are occupied. One office is used as a management administration office, two are reserved for projects and will be occupied in December. Two units are currently being promoted. In addition the Get Tallaght Working Group has been allocated 3,000 sq. ft. and is raising finance to fit out eight sub units for community projects.
The enterprise centre is an ideal starting point for small companies and I understand that the IDA are optimistic that many of the projects will expand out of the centre and be replaced by other start up companies.
Finally, during 1986 and 1987 IDA grants were approved for five medium/large sized projects in the Tallaght area which are expected to lead to approximately 320 jobs over five years. In addition, 12 small industry projects were approved for the area from January 1986 to date and have the potential to create 70 full time jobs by 1988.