asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, having regard to the current unemployment situation in the area, and bearing in mind the large number of skilled young people likely to enter the job market within the next five years in north County Kildare, he will outline the Government's proposals to alleviate the unemployment problems in the area which have been aggravated by the closure of the IMP meat processing plant at Leixlip, County Kildare.
Written Answers. - North Kildare Unemployment.
32.
The Government's proposals to alleviate the unemployment problem generally, including north County Kildare, are contained in the Programme for National Recovery. In summary, the Government are committed to stabilising the national debt, bringing down inflation, reducing industrial costs, promoting fair trade and encouraging a dramatic growth in investment and exports.
Success in achieving these targets has already seen manufacturing investment increase by around 5 per cent in 1987 for the first time in five years, while industrial production increased by 10 per cent in real terms.
The promotion of industrial development in north County Kildare is of course a matter for the day to day administration of the IDA. However, I am assured by the Authority that it is actively promoting north Kildare for suitable manufacturing projects. In addition the IDA is continuing to explore the full potential for small industry in the area. Last year 18 small firms were approved for capital assistance in respect of the establishment or expansion of manufacturing operations.
The Industrial Development Authority is also continuing to promote its own 54 acre serviced site at Collinstown, Leixlip, County Kildare for a suitable manufacturing project.