asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a woollen factory, supplied with up-to-date machinery, is lying idle at Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, and whether any steps are being taken by his Department to have the factory reopened and thus give much-needed employment in the locality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Woollen Factories.
also asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a woollen factory, partially equipped, is lying idle at Kilmeaden, County Waterford, and whether any steps are being taken by his Department to have the business restarted and thus give much-needed employment in the district.
I propose to answer questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
I have constantly under consideration the question of the development of industries in local areas, and am prepared to give every possible assistance to any group of persons who wish to open factories. The question of reopening the woollen factories at Kilmacthomas and Kilmeaden is a matter for private enterprise, and so far as my powers go I would be prepared to give all the help possible, financially or otherwise, to any persons who may contemplate restarting them.
Has the Minister been approached by any private individuals with regard to those factories?
I am not in a position to answer that. I do not know.