Seamus Kirk
Ceist:113 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will establish an industrial zone in the Dundalk/Newry catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1713/95]
Vol. 448 No. 2
113 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will establish an industrial zone in the Dundalk/Newry catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1713/95]
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to the provision of special incentives for the attraction of industrial development to the area referred to.
In so far as the Deputy has in mind that industrial projects locating there qualify for a higher rate of grant, I am afraid I have no plans to propose designation of the area for such purposes under the Industrial Development Acts. The approval of the European Commission would in any event be required for any such proposal.
Under the designation system, industrial projects in designated areas are eligible for a maximum fixed asset grant rate of 60 per cent. This contrasts with projects in non-designated areas where the maximum grant rate available is 45 per cent. In addition, industries in designated areas may get a two thirds remission of rates of ten years at the discretion of the local authority. However, the fact of designation does not automatically guarantee support at the maximum rate, nor does it guarantee rates remission.