Vol. 442 No. 4
73 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if there have been any developments since the meeting he had with a deputation from Ballinasloe Urban District Council and Ballinasloe Chamber of Commerce, County Galway, covering the unemployment situation in the town; if the proposals concerning a task force, enterprise centre and advance factory have been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The industrial development of individual areas is a dayto-day matter for the industrial development agencies under my aegis and not one in which I have a direct function.
I understand that both IDA Ireland and Forbairt are fully aware of the job needs of Ballinasloe and are actively promoting the town for new manufacturing investment and the expansion of existing companies. Both agencies are committed to supporting the local enterprise group in the provision of relevant information for new small business start-ups and in marketing the town more effectively.
I further understand that discussions are taking place at present between Forbairt and the sub-committee of the local Chamber of Commerce with a view to the establishment of an enterprise centre in the town. In addition, the privately financed advance factory of 10,000 sq. ft. at Poolboy, which is now let on a short term lease, will continue to be promoted for a long term project.
As everything possible is being done by the agencies in full co-operation with local business groups to attract new investment to Ballinasloe and to develop and promote facilities in the area for this purpose, I am not at all convinced that a task force would necessarily bring about any better or faster results.
