asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of any proposals to establish new industries or extend existing ones in the South Tipperary area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Tipperary Industries.
23.
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced that the Industrial Development Authority has approved grant assistance for a project, to manufacture mini-computers, to be established in Clonmel by the Digital Equipment Corporation of the United States. The project will be located in the 44,000 square foot advance factory at present under construction; production will commence during 1978 and 100 workers will be employed within the first year.
The Deputy will also be aware that discussions are at present taking place between local interests and the Receiver for Ballingarry Colleries with a view to resumption of coal-mining in Ballingarry.
The realisation of both of these encouraging prospects would not however obviate the need for the establishment of further new industry and the expansion of industrial employment in the South Tipperary area. The Industrial Development Authority is accordingly maintaining its efforts to secure the establishment of further new projects in the area, and continues to be prepared to assist, to the fullest extent practicable, in the extension of existing industries there.