asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the plans he has for the provision of a factory for the Balbriggan area of County Dublin, in view of the very high unemployment in the district.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that there are no immediate plans for the construction of a factory in the Balbriggan area. Negotiations however are at an advanced stage for the acquisition by the authority of an industrial site at Balbriggan. This site will be vigorously promoted as a location for new industry and will add to the attractiveness of the area in which, I understand, considerable interest has been shown recently by promoters of new industry.