Higher industrial grants for Ardee
Donegan asked for Ardee to qualify for higher industrial grants. Burke said designation was not the solution, citing the IDA’s broader development approach and noting that a US company had begun production there.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will have Ardee, County Louth designated as an area for payment of higher industrial grants.
Comment on this
I am aware of the urgent need to create additional employment in manufacturing industry in Ardee. However, I do not consider that designation would provide a solution to the employment problems of the area.
The Industrial Development Authority has adopted a comprehensive approach involving the provision of sites and factories, vigorous promotion of the area and the flexible use of the existing incentives to secure the necessary industrial development in Ardee. I believe that this is the correct approach to the problem.
I am informed by the IDA that a US company has commenced production in the advance factory in Ardee and will provide 40 jobs in the first year of operation. A number of additional projects, which could provide substantial employment opportunities, are currently under negotiation, and the IDA is continuing to promote the vacant textile factory in the town as a location for suitable new industry.
The IDA will continue to treat Ardee as a priority area until a substantial improvement in the local employment situation has been achieved.