asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to provide a suitable industry for Westport, County Mayo, to alleviate the hardship caused by the recent closure of the textile factory there; and if the IDA has any plans to provide an industry in the near future to cater for male employment in the town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westport Industrial Development.
25.
I am fully alive to the urgent need for new industry in Westport following the recent closure of a textile project located there.
Earlier this year, a US firm announced their intention to establish an industry in Westport which would employ 140 persons. This company have now decided to defer implementation of the project. The company have informed the IDA that they will review the position later this year. If it should transpire that the project is not to go ahead, the IDA will, of course, promote the advance factory in Westport for an alternative industry.
I would add that as part of its build up to full production, an existing project in the town plans to increase employment over the next few years by about 70. About half of these additional jobs will be for men. Meanwhile, the IDA are actively seeking a new project to locate in the premises formerly occupied by the failed textile project.
The authority are also promoting the area generally for industrial development. A 3 x 3,000 square feet cluster unit is to be constructed at Westport and the authority's 13.2 acres site in the town continues to be promoted for industrial development.
Have the IDA any fall-back position in relation to the replacement for the textile factory and the failure of the American firm to take up this offer? In the light of the fact that about 70,000 square feet of factory space are vacant at present in County Mayo, would it not be more practical to try to fill this vacant space instead of turning sods for more empty factories?
The IDA are at present negotiating with a particular firm to take over the textile factory in question. Negotiations are not yet finalised and I hope they will be finalised shortly.
Has the Minister issued a directive to all managers of IDA offices that in future announcements of the opening of factories will be conducted by the Minister?
That does not arise on this question. I am calling Question No. 26.
I have given no directive.