asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the employment situation in Waterford city and of the need to establish at least one major industry in order to strengthen the industrial base of the city and region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Employment.
17.
I am aware of the current employment situation in Waterford city and of the need to create further industrial employment there.
The Industrial Development Authority have been making vigorous efforts to attract new industry to the city. These efforts are being maintained. The establishment of a major industrial project as urged by the Deputy, has been and remains one of the principal objectives of the authority's efforts to attract new industry to Waterford.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, announcements have recently been made about the establishment in Waterford of two new projects. Negotiations are also in progress for the establishment of a number of other new projects as well as for the expansion of some existing ones. Between them, these are expected to provide a substantial number of new jobs.
Does the Minister accept that Waterford has been hard hit by the present recession? Can he assure me that in view of his recent statement in relation to the Dublin area no effort will be spared to ensure the siting of a major industry in Waterford?
I accept the situation in Waterford which is due to two things, the difficulty with the Goodbody's jute factory and the fact that we believed that an industry of 1,020 jobs was coming. We believed it was Waterford's right to get that industry. The Deputy is aware of the difficulties and I will not help by amplifying them. The new announcements relate to about 160 jobs. Announcements are pending in relation to about the same number of jobs. The expansion in six projects in Waterford will account for 300 jobs. We are talking of something more than 600 jobs. If, at the same time, we can get the reactivation of the project the Deputy knows about or something comparable we will have gone a long way towards solving Waterford's problems. I affirm that I recognise the special nature and the seriousness of those problems and the IDA are doing their utmost to overcome them.
Is the Minister aware of the large pool of unemployed in Waterford city and of the excellent port facilities there? Would the Minister indicate to the IDA that Waterford city is an excellent site for a heavy industry?
I am so aware. I have figures in my brief in regard to this. The IDA are also aware of this but I will pass the Deputy's comments on.
Can the Minister assure me that his recent statement in respect of Dublin will not militate against the establishment of a major industry in Waterford?
I have affirmed the need of Waterford. I have always taken the position that the allocation of industries should be based on need. A number of years ago the need was not marked in Dublin but it has become so. Dublin, therefore, takes its place on the basis of that need. However, the need in Waterford, as indicated by the figures, remains and, therefore, the commitment which I have made to Waterford in regard to a large industry remains.