Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter for debate on the Adjournment. I also thank the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Fahey, for attending the House.

I raised the issue of industrial investment in east Galway last week. As a Galway man, the Minister of State is aware of the difficulties being experienced in some of the county towns. Major towns in particular have lost significant employment in recent years, notably Ballinasloe where two major companies AT Cross and Square D closed within a short period. Since the closure of the sugar factory in Tuam, the town has not attracted a major flagship industry. Other towns such as Loughrea also need additional employment.

I am aware the Government has included Loughrea and Ballinasloe as locations for the decentralisation programme. The decisions to transfer the National Safety Council to Loughrea and the National Roads Authority and the Railway Safety Commission to Ballinasloe have been welcomed by the people of the towns and east Galway in general. Tuam, which has been designated a hub town under the national spatial strategy, was not selected as a location for decentralisation, which is an even greater reason the Government should consider employment for the town a priority.

Many area development companies, development associations and community councils in the towns I have mentioned have proposed plans for the investment we need. The IDA has played an important role in arranging visits to the towns by industrialists to see their needs and considerable attractions. I ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a native of County Galway, to continue her efforts to ensure towns in the county are given priority. I am aware of her personal involvement in arranging some of the visits by industrialists and entrepreneurs to the towns. In light of the positive developments in investment recently, I hope County Galway will be given priority for the industrial development its towns need.