asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans he has for the provision of further employment in Westport, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Employment Plans.
21.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that a US firm, Allergan Pharmaceuticals, commenced production in an IDA advance factory in Westport last January. The company expects to provide 122 jobs at full production.
I have also been informed that work commenced at the end of March on the construction of a 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory in Westport. It is expected that this factory will be completed by November next. The IDA are actively seeking a suitable project for the factory.
Could the Minister give a date as to when the Allergan company decided to set up in Westport?
I do not know when the company decided to set up but it went into production in January, 1978.
22.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans he has for the provision of urgently needed employment for men in Castlebar, County Mayo.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that grant assistance has been approved for the expansion of an existing industry in Castlebar which will result in the creation of new employment opportunities for both male and female workers.
The authority recently announced that a 15,000 sq. ft. cluster development for small scale industry will be built at Castlebar. The development will house four individual units and is expected to be ready for occupation by the end of this year.
I have also been informed that the authority are negotiating for the acquisition of a new industrial site in the town which will be promoted as a location for male employing industry. An announcement about the development of this site will be made shortly.
What is the name of the company?
The company concerned wants the matter to remain confidential for a short period.
I am quite sure the Minister is aware there is a very serious imbalance in the male/female employment ratio in Castlebar and, with the coming of the new regional water supply scheme and other advantages, I hope the Minister will give a guarantee that everything possible will be done to redress the imbalance.
I agree there is urgent need for the creation of male employment and the IDA will take that into account in seeking to direct suitable industries to the town.