asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will outline actions and policies being pursued at present or to be pursued in the near future by his Department to alleviate or deal with any aspect of the difficulties confronting the socially and economically disadvantaged area of the inner city of Dublin, north of the River Liffey; and if he will give details of the proposed time-table in respect of any such initiative, and the amounts of moneys, including grants, subsidies or other resources which arise in this regard.
Written Answers. - Dublin Inner City.
636.
The policies of primary concern to me relate to promotion of industrial development with a view to employment creation.
In 1979 the Industrial Development Authority launched a specific inner city development programme under which a total of £6.1 million has been expended to date on site acquisition and factory construction. Since the programme's launch, 45,000 sq. ft. of industrial space has been let to promoters and 155,000 sq. ft. is still available at East Wall and Prussia Street. The Authority is vigorously promoting these facilities and the full range of incentives including capital and training grants and rent subsidies are available to suitable industrial projects locating there.
Negotiations have taken place between the IDA and Dublin Corporation concerning the acquisition and development of a site in the Seán McDermott Street area. However, no agreement has, as yet, been reached on the terms of purchase or the most appropriate site.
Since 1979 the IDA has approved grant assistance for companies in the inner city, both north and south, which are expected to provide additional employment for approximately 4,400 people. It is not possible to provide, at short notice, details of the amounts paid to those companies located in the north inner city and I will communicate with the Deputy when the details are available.
With effect from 1 January 1983 the Dublin inner city area has been given designated status. This empowers the IDA to give up to 60 per cent grants for projects locating in the area — the normal maximum grant is 45 per cent. This measure will last for five years and will cost in the region of an extra £4.5 million.