asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will now declare the Counties of Laois and Offaly, apart from the town of Clara, County Offaly, as undeveloped areas for the purpose of attracting new industries to provide the much needed employment in each area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industrialisation.
168.
As stated in my reply to the Deputy's question on 5th November last, the designation of Laois-Offaly is still under consideration.
Surely the Minister will agree it is time this step was taken by him, as it was promised by him and by his predecessor a long time ago? Nothing has happened to date. Will the Minister not agree that in Laois-Offaly at present the industrial situation is serious? Is the Minister aware that Salts (Ireland) Limited in Tullamore were on short time for a considerable period; that the worsted mills in Portlaoise were on three days a week up to the 23rd of last month; that Mountmellick Textiles Limited are closed except for a few employees who are acting as caretakers? We have already dealt with the situation in Clara. In Birr two shoe factories were closed in the last two years and the gum factory was also closed——
(Interruptions.)
Acting Chairman
Deputy Lenehan should not come in to interrupt the House. Deputy Enright cannot continue with this list.
(Interruptions.)
Acting Chairman
If Deputy Lenehan does not behave himself I will ask him to leave the House. Deputy Enright must ask a question.
Will the Minister agree that it is necessary, in the interests of the people of Laois-Offaly, that it be declared a designated area in order that further industries be set up there? I hope the Minister will have something definite to say when he replies.
I appreciate the Deputy's concern; I am as concerned myself. There have been a number of interjections about the designation of Clara, but interjections have also been made by Deputy Cooney of Athlone and Deputy Treacy of South Tipperary.
I am quite certain I have heard from our present Acting Chairman, Deputy Tully, about the position in north Meath. A case for special designation can be made in very many areas. The problem of designation requires much examination. The Deputy need not be in any doubt about my interest in the development of industry all over the country.