asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has to lessen the unacceptable unemployment levels in New Ross town and area, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
401.
Written Answers. - County Wexford Job Creation.
400.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps he has taken to locate an industry for the advance factory in New Ross; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
402.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of jobs that have been created in New Ross town and area over the past two years as a result of IDA investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
403.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in the Wexford town area, where the unemployment level is 25 per cent; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
405.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in the Rosslare area of County Wexford, in view of its proximity to Rosslare Harbour.
407.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has for job creation in County Wexford, with particular reference to a site owned by the IDA at Eidermine; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
408.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has for job creation in Gorey town, in view of the attractiveness of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
409.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of jobs that have been lost in the agricultural services sector in County Wexford since 1979; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
410.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in Bunclody, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
411.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in Taghmon, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
412.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for the creation of jobs in Clonroche, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
413.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation at Campile, New Ross, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
414.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in Fethard-on-Sea, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
416.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in the Wellingtonbridge area of County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
417.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has to create employment in the New Ross area, County Wexford.
A Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 to 403, 405, 407, 408 to 414, 416 and 417 together.
I am concerned at the level of unemployment in County Wexford and of the need to secure new industry for the county. I would point out however that the increase in unemployment in County Wexford in recent years has not been influenced significantly by manufacturing job losses.
I am satisfied that the Industrial Development Authority are taking all possible measures to promote industrial development in Wexford.
In Wexford town the IDA have available a 40,000 sq. ft. privately financed factory, a 39,000 sq. ft. factory, two units suitable for new small industries and 120 acres of land. These facilities, which are being promoted by the IDA, also cater for the Rosslare area.
The IDA have provided a 25,000 sq. ft. advance factory in New Ross by arrangement with a private developer. This facility and IDA's 32 acre industrial site in the town are being promoted for suitable projects. Over the past two years there were 51 job gains in manufacturing employment in the New Ross area.
In 1983 a new company was assisted by IDA to establish in the 27,000 sq. ft. factory in Gorey. Four small industry units of 1,000 sq. ft. will be completed shortly and these will be promoted together with IDA's 12 acre site in the town.
The IDA have no proposals to acquire industrial land or provide advance factories in Taghmon, Clonroche, Campile, Fethard-on-Sea, Bunclody or Wellingtonbridge. However Taghmon and Wellingtonbridge are in the catchment area of Wexford town where the IDA have made substantial investments. Similarly Clonroche and Bunclody would benefit from developments in Enniscorthy, and Campile from developments in New Ross where IDA have provided land and factories for promotion.
The IDA do not own a site at Eidermine. However they have a 19 acre site at nearby Enniscorthy. Three small industry units of 3,000 sq. ft. each are currently being erected in the town.
I will arrange for the appropriate Minister to communicate with the Deputy regarding jobs lost in the agricultural services sector if he will indicate what he means by "agricultural services sector".
I am assured that the IDA will support with their full range of incentives any viable manufacturing or international service projects put forward for the various areas in County Wexford mentioned by the Deputy.
404.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of extra jobs that will be created in Kilmore Quay, as a result of investment by the IDA in a firm (details supplied); if such investment will cause job losses in any other area; and if so, the areas affected.
The firm in question was established in 1979 with assistance from the IDA and has since met its employment target.
I am not aware of any circumstances in which IDA investment in the firm would cause job losses elsewhere.
406.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the proposals he has for protecting the jobs in a firm (details supplied) where goods are manufactured similar to those imported by semi-State bodies.
During the period since April 1983, when this company went into receivership, the IDA have vigorously explored the possibility of securing a suitable takeover. The IDA are still pursuing certain possibilities in this regard in the hope of securing a project which would ensure the continued production of the products manufactured by the company and the preservation of some, at least, of the jobs which are at risk.
415.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals for job creation in relation to fish processing at Duncannon, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Any such proposals would be a matter for consideration by the Industrial Development Authority in the first instance. I understand from the authority that they have no such proposals under consideration at present.