asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans he has for the provision of badly needed jobs in urban areas, especially inner Dublin: the number of sites that are available for industrial development in Dublin City; if there are any specific proposals with regard to the provision of jobs for the semiskilled and unskilled workers in urban areas; and the total number of jobs created in the Dublin City area arising out of funds specially devoted to that purpose in addition to existing moneys since June, 1977.
Written Answers. - Jobs Provision.
275.
The programmes of the Industrial Development Authority have as their objectives the maintenance as far as possible of existing levels of employment and the creation of new employment in industry in urban areas and in other areas alike.
For some time past the authority has been giving special attention to the industrial development and related job creation needs of the Dublin area including the inner city area. To this end the Small Industries Programme is being actively promoted in the inner city. Construction of a "cluster" of factories for small scale industry at Newmarket in the Liberties area is due to commence in March, 1978. This development will house eight small factory units and is expected to be ready for occupation by the end of 1978. In addition, the authority is working closely with the local authorities to explore ways and means of promoting industrial development both in centre city locations and on the perimeter.
On the basis of consultations to date with the local authorities and with private developers, it is estimated by the authority that there are at present available in Dublin city and environs about 30 locations, totalling some 700 acres, in private and public ownership which would be suitable for industrial projects. A major constraint on the establishment in the inner city area of projects with a high male employment content is the scarcity of suitable land for such projects.
As to the final part of the question, no special funds additional to the existing provisions for industrial development have been allocated since June, 1977.