asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the progress that has been made in regard to attracting an industry for the advance factory building in Tipperary town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Town Industry.
1.
I understand that the Industrial Development Authority are at present negotiating with a manufacturer about locating an industry in the 7,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Tipperary. The factory has been provisionally reserved for this project pending the outcome of the negotiations.
The Minister will appreciate that he has given similar replies to questions regarding this advance factory. Is he aware of the feeling in Tipperary regarding the imbalance of the development of the south-eastern area as against the western area? In view of the closure of the Gortdrum mines and the imminent closure of Ferenka in Limerick there will be massive unemployment in the area. I would ask the Minister to personally contact the IDA to ensure that the advance factory is located very quickly.
I appreciate the Deputy's concern. It is proper that when there is such a good inquiry the factory should be provisionally reserved. With regard to Tipperary town, the IDA intend to purchase a ten-acre site there, that is in addition to the advance factory that has been built and for which I hope there is an occupier.
This question is pertinent in view of the unemployment at the Gortdrum mines——
The Deputy has clearly adverted to that matter.
Does the Minister realise the extent of the unemployment in the area where more than 300 people will be affected at the end of the year? Will the Minister not take action immediately to ensure that the matter of the advance factory is finalised?
It is not within my power to compel a firm to locate, but I think this is a positive inquiry and the prospect of having a site there is an additional incentive.
Will the Minister give a guarantee that he will personally contact the IDA about the lack of development in the west Tipperary area?
I do not accept that there is a lack of development, but I guarantee the Deputy I will raise the matter with the IDA.
I would stress on the Minister that he should mention the imbalance I have referred to.
I am calling Question No. 2.