asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether there are any proposals under consideration in his Department for putting to alternative uses the industrial alcohol factory at Carrickma-cross, County Monaghan; and, if so, if he will indicate the nature of such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carrickmacross Alcohol Factory.
Efforts to find an alternative use for the factory have not, so far, been successful and there are no proposals under consideration for putting the factory to alternative uses. I am open to receive any proposals for the utilisation of this factory.
Will the Minister consider continuing its operation as an alcohol factory?
That matter was considered by my predecessor. He decided early in the year that, in all the circumstances, the factory ought to terminate its activities in June last. I have continued the factory in existence since then. Recently, however, in the absence of alternative offers to use the factory for other purposes, it became necessary to implement the earlier decision. I have, however, arranged, so as to avoid hardship for the workers concerned, that the factory will be reopened on the 15th of next month and will provide employment for the workers concerned until after Christmas. At the moment there is no hope of continuing to operate the factory on the old basis but I would be glad to consider any proposals which may bring the factory into proper use for some other purpose.