Secondary Economic Activity

Question 1

Factor that influences factory location:Raw materials

Answer 1

The raw materials, semi finished materials or components that are used to make a product are called resource materials.
The dairying processing industry requires fresh milk which is perishable therefore factories are located close to dairy farms e.g. in the Golden vale

Question 2

Factor that influences factory location: transport facilities

Answer 2

Manufacturers choose locations for factories where the transport facilities are good.
Many factories are located close to a ring road outside the city suburbs.
Some factories are located close to a port

Question 3

Factor that influences factory location:Labour

Answer 3

Every factory requires a labour force
Manufacturers are influenced by the quality of the Irish labour force e.g. Intel and Microsoft
Dublin, Cork , Galway, Limerick and other centres have third – level colleges and universities and attract industries to create links and programmes such as research and development

Question 4

Factor that influences factory location:Markets

Answer 4

Some products may be perishable, therefore factories need to locate close to markets.
Some factories can distribute goods worldwide and therefore can trade in multiple markets (E.U., African Nations etc.)

Question 5

Factor that influences factory location:Government policy

Answer 5

Irish governments have actively supported manufacturing in Ireland whether it is home based companies(indigenous) or foreign multinationals (businesses that have premises in more than one country) (MNCS)
Governments give extra incentives to companies to locate factories in areas of high unemployment, therefore many factories have been located in small towns and the west.
Agencies such as the IDA ( industrial development agency) encourage companies to establish factories in certain areas

Question 6

Factors of location in Leixlip:Government policy

Answer 6

The Irish government through the IDA supported the establishment of Intel in Leixlip in 1989 through grants and tax incentives

Question 7

Factors of location in Leixlip:earthquake free zone

Answer 7

The production of microchips requires the absence of vibrations in the rocks underneath the plant

Question 8

Factors of location in Leixlip:transport facilities

Answer 8

Good transport links are vital for Intel
Microchips are exported from Dublin airport
Access to the airport via the M50
The Intel plant is located close to the M4

Question 9

Factors of location in Leixlip:Labour

Answer 9

Intel is a “high- tech manufacturer” (industry that is heavily dependant on laboratory discoveries in science and technology)
Intel needs a highly educated workforce
More than 70% of Intel’s workers have third level qualifications