asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what plans he has for the rapid expansion of the industrial estates programme; and at what estimated cost.
249.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Estates Programme.
248.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any plans for the establishment of a much-needed industrial estate in the midlands to cater for Counties Laois and Offaly which were omitted from any industrial development in the Buchanan Report; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together. The development of further Government-sponsored industrial estates must await decisions based on the studies leading to regional programmes, which are proceeding as rapidly as possible. An estimate of the cost cannot, in the circumstances, be made.
The Minister is aware that, if he studies carefully the Buchanan Report, he will see that there is no mention of the promotion of any industrial activity from Wexford right up to Athlone—Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly. Does he not agree that that is a very extensive area to be left, so to speak, undeveloped if the Government intend to accept the recommendations of the Buchanan Report?
The Deputy will no doubt have read and be familiar with the statement issued by the Government in relation to the Buchanan Report and he will, therefore, be aware that it is clearly set out in that statement that the Government have set out the regions into which the country is divided and units of the Industrial Development Authority are being set up within each region. Certain other steps have been taken for the establishment of local committees to develop the industrial potential of each region. I can assure the Deputy that the areas to which he refers are not being and will not be neglected.