While I am grateful this matter was selected, I draw the House's attention to a similar question I posed for written reply today. I asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Parliamentary Question No. 113 if she would consider introducing a scheme of grant-aid to facilitate the relocation of small industries which by virtue of their nature and expansion are now inappropriately located in residential urban settings; her views on whether such grant aid should be revenue neutral for the companies involved; and if she would make a statement on the matter.
Whoever was responsible for drafting the reply to that question is a disgrace. The reply did not address the issues I raised. It was a rambling ráiméis on the series of grant aids available to industry from State agencies and it did not address the issue of industries inappropriately located in growing urban centres which need some assistance for relocation.
The Tánaiste and those responsible in the Department for drafting such replies should reflect on difficult lessons that have been learned about our failure to appropriately answer questions which have been tabled in the House.
It is fortunate that in many settings around Ireland industries with humble origins are prospering, thriving and expanding but the regrettable reality in many instances, particularly in smaller urban locations outside the Pale, is that many of these expanding industries are inappropriately located and by virtue of increased residential development in these areas are entirely inappropriate to a residential setting.
Two such companies in my constituency, both in the timber processing industry, are making valiant efforts to provide employment and have potential to create increased employment but because of understandable and legitimate concerns of residents adjacent to those companies there is a constant battle between the companies and residents. It cannot be forgotten that many companies generate in the heart of towns, valuable employment, not just in timber processing but in the hardware and milling industries, which would be more suited to the outskirts of towns.
The Tánaiste and her Department should consider making grant-aid available to these companies so that they can relocate from where they are inappropriately located on a revenue neutral basis. Some of their tax liability could be written off or the value of the land they vacate, which would have development potential as it is in the heart of residential area, could be taken into account. Such companies should be facilitated in some innovative way through capital grants or a combination of capital grants and tax waivers or deferrals so that it is a win win scenario for the residents in the local community and the companies at the end of the day.
If we are committed to framing such an initiative, we should also provide that the companies should not be allowed or facilitated when they relocate to move an inappropriate distance relative to those employed by the company. This will be a growing problem in many industries. It is stifling additional employment opportunities. Many of these companies are snarled up in the planning process and are engaged in hostilities with local residents, something which is understandable. An innovative approach by the Department could go a long way to resolving the problem.
