asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce in view of huge unemployment because of the laying off of the workforce by the Office of Public Works on the Robe-Mask drainage scheme, if he will state the plans, if any, the Government have to provide industrial employment in Ballinrobe.

(Limerick East): I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that it is actively promoting Ballinrobe as a suitable location for industrial investment. The IDA has available in Ballinrobe a 22,600 sq. ft. advance factory and a 20 acre site which are being promoted for suitable projects.

Four new projects for Ballinrobe were approved grant assistance by the West Region Small Industries Board so far this year. The projects, with a combined fixed asset investment of £162,000, are expected to provide 12 new jobs.

Would the Minister accept that there is a serious problem in the area at the moment because of lay-offs as a result of the closing down of the Mask-Robe drainage scheme? Have inquiries of any consequence been made about the IDA having some worth while industry located in Ballinrobe?

(Limerick East): I will bring the Deputy's specific point to the attention of the IDA. I know they are already actively promoting Ballinrobe, but in view of the lay-offs from the drainage scheme I will bring the point to their attention specifically.