andMr. R. Barry asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the designated areas in the Twenty-six counties; and if he will include Youghal, County Cork on this list.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Industrial Development .
39.
: The designated areas comprise:
—the Counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford and Clare, with the exception of the Shannon Free Airport area;
—parts of Counties Offaly, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary;
—the Gaeltacht areas of Meath and Waterford.
I am fully aware of the employment difficulties facing Youghal at the present time. However, as I indicated recently to the House, I do not consider that designation would be the most suitable course to adopt in present circumstances.
The Industrial Development Authority is using a comprehensive approach, including the flexible use of existing State aids, to promote the creation of new job opportunities in Youghal and will strongly support any suitable industrial project proposed for the area.
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asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans the IDA have for industrial development in each of the following towns in County Cork, Kinsale, Bandon, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Skibbereen and Bantry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
: I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that construction of a new plant for Eli Lilly, a US company, will commence shortly at Dunderrow, near Kinsale; this project will employ 150 persons initially in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Work is nearing completion on a 15,000 sq. ft. cluster of five units for small industries in Dunmanway; these units have aroused interest among industrialists but no firm project proposals have been received to date.
The authority also is actively seeking to secure a replacement project for the Jacobson factory in Bandon and is seeking a suitable industrial site in Bantry.
I am informed that there are no industrial prospects at present under negotiation for the other towns mentioned by the Deputy.
The authority will fully support any suitable industrial project which may be proposed for location in or near any of the towns in question.
: Can the Minister give any further information in relation to their vacant factory in Bandon, as to whether there is any possibility of an industry being available there in the near future?
: The IDA is endeavouring to secure a replacement project for the former Jacobson factory. There are no projects under negotiation, unfortunately, at the moment.
: Can the Minister hold out any hope to the people of Bantry in relation to the lack of an industrial site there, which is an ongoing one, on which the IDA appear to be able to make no progress over quite a considerable time?
: The IDA made persistent efforts, unfortunately without success, to secure a suitable industrial site for Bantry. They will continue their efforts in this regard.