asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement concerning the establishment of industry in Waterford city.
174.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Industrialisation.
173.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline his plans regarding the establishment of a large heavy industrial firm in Waterford.
175.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement concerning the establishment of Industry in County Waterford.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 174 and 175 together.
I have been informed that the Industrial Development Authority expect that firms already in production in Waterford city will generate 254 new jobs in the present year and that projects already announced but not yet in production will provide another 216 new jobs.
A new major enterprise for the manufacture of aluminium pistons for the diesel engine industry is being announced this evening. This will employ 250 in the first full year of production rising to 1,000 after five years; 80 per cent of these jobs will be for men. Furthermore, it is hoped in the near future to announce details of an additional project with employment potential for over 300 men.
The IDA are also endeavouring to attract new industry to the county area, as distinct from Waterford city, and they have set a manufacturing job target of 250 for the area in the regional industrial plans 1973-77. They are confident that this target will be attained.
Could the Minister say if any of these projected industries are for the area known as west Waterford and, if not, would the Minister consider west Waterford as an area of very high priority because of the high unemployment and the lack of competition in regard to employment in the area?
I shall draw the attention of the Minister for Industry and Commerce to the Deputy's comments.