asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps are being taken with a view to having industries established in towns in County Mayo such as Ballycastle, Killala, Crossmolina, Ballina, Foxford, Swinford, Charlestown, Kiltimagh, Claremorris, Balla, Ballindine, Hollymount, Irishtown, Knock, Ballyhaunis, Kilkelly and other centres which are suitable for industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Mayo Industrialisation.
34.
The Industrial Development Authority are aware of the need for the establishment of new industries in County Mayo and the authority's regional industrial plans propose the creation of 1,600 new jobs in manufacturing industry in the county during the five years 1973 to 1977, inclusive.
In regard to the individual towns mentioned, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question by him in May last which indicated that the combined target for Ballina, Killala, Foxford and Crossmolina is 600 jobs; that Swinford, Charlestown and Kiltimagh are included in a group of towns with a corresponding target of 650 jobs; and that Claremorris and Ballyhaunis are included in a group with a target of 300 jobs. The other towns mentioned by the Deputy are not specifically listed in the IDA's plans but these and other centres are eligible for the wide range of grants and financial incentives generally available for industrial development.
Three advance factories are at present under construction at Ballina, Ballinrobe and Claremorris and a fourth is planned for Swinford. In addition, the IDA have initiated a programme of purchasing land suitable for industrial development and sites have already been acquired in Ballina and Claremorris.
Grants have been approved by the IDA for two industrial projects for County Mayo with an estimated employment of 390 at full production. There are also, six projects under consideration for small industry grants.
Is this propaganda statement for the purpose of making some mileage in view of the enormous number of unemployed all over the country?
Actually the question is asked by Deputy O'Hara of the Fine Gael Party. He seeks information in regard to a number of towns and I have simply given him that information. I agree that the information amounts to propaganda arising from the success of the operation.
A lot of baloney.