asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is a continuing decline in population along the whole western seaboard; and if he is prepared to take the necessary steps to establish industries in this region by direct Government intervention in view of the failure of private initiatives to have such industries provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Seaboard Industries.
251.
While the population in the counties on the western seaboard continues to decline, it should be noted that the reduction in the five years to 1966 was almost 16,000 less than in the preceding five year period. The Goverment have provided valuable incentives to industrialists to establish their projects in these areas. A recent analysis of some 40 projects for the establishment of industry showed a gratifying bias of capital investment in favour of the designated areas of the west. I am confident that this trend will continue and that private enterprise will play its proper role.
Would the Minister not agree that Mayo, in particular, has been rather unfortunate in that it has got nothing worthwhile——
It has two Ministers.
I know it has and I would gladly co-operate with them if they would help us and bring in some industry there. May I direct the Minister's attention to our particular problem? Would he, if at all possible, try to get us some industry because the northern section of the county is faring very badly?
May I suggest to the Deputy that he watch very closely for announcements in the near future and he will be very pleasantly surprised.
In the next two weeks.