asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps that are being taken to provide industrial employment in Nenagh, County Tipperary, which is suffering from a record level of unemployment.

13.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps that are being taken to locate new industry in Thurles, County Tipperary, in view of the very high level of unemployment in the area.

14.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps, if any, that are being taken to provide much needed industrial employment in Roscrea, County Tipperary.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 to 14, inclusive, together.

I can assure the Deputy that both the Industrial Development Authority and Shannon Development are vigorously promoting the Nenagh, Thurles and Roscrea areas for suitable industrial development.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage with an overseas company for the establishment of a new industrial project in the IDA's 24,000 sq. ft. unit at Nenagh. I am informed that there are now four projects employing seven people located at Shannon Development's Workspace Development in Connolly Street.

Two of the IDA's factories at Thurles have recently been occupied by Appledore Ltd., and Eirauf Ltd., both of which will make a major contribution to employment in the area. In addition, Shannon Development are currently converting two industrial units into a workspace complex, which will result in 11 units of varying sizes being available for letting and are also constructing two units of 2,500 sq. ft. each at the New Road, Thurles.

IDA's 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory at Roscrea will shortly be occupied by Roscrea Bacon Factory Ltd., as part of a recently announced major expansion which will create 37 additional jobs over the next 12 months. In addition to these developments, the IDA are promoting the following facilities: