asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) what site, if any, has been selected for the proposed oil refinery, (b) whether a new manufacturers' licence will be required for the project, and, if so, what conditions will be attached thereto, and (c) what duties and functions have been assigned to the Industrial Development Authority in relation to the preparation of a scheme by the promoters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Refinery Site.
As regards (a) of the Deputy's question, I have no information as to whether a site has been selected for the proposed refinery, while as regards (b), I have not yet received any financial proposals concerning the project and I am, therefore, not in a position to say whether a new manufacture licence will be required. In regard to (c), the Industrial Development Authority, which has handled all the negotiations in this matter so far, will carry out any further discussions that may be necessary with the promoters and other interests; they will examine in detail the proposals submitted and will eventually furnish a comprehensive report on the project to me.
Arising from the Minister's reply, could the Minister confirm or deny a rumour current that options have been taken by the promoters on two sites?
I am not responsible for rumours.
Is the Minister aware that there is a common belief that options have been taken on two sites?
I have no information about options being taken on any site.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received a letter recommending a harbour in County Galway as a suitable site for the proposed oil refinery, and, if so, whether the letter has been forwarded to the oil companies concerned.
I have received representations regarding the possibility of having the proposed refinery located at Galway. I have not passed these representations on to the companies concerned as I consider it would be inappropriate for me to interfere in a matter which is primarily one for the promoters who will be investing their money in the project. As I mentioned in a reply to Deputy Kenny on the same subject on the 3rd March, 1955, however, it is open to local interests to bring the suitability of local sites to the notice of the companies.
Has the Minister so informed the people who wrote to him?
Oh, yes. All persons who wrote to me have been informed this is primarily a matter for the firms concerned and that the Minister would not forward any representations on the principle that God helps those who help themselves. If these local people want a refinery, the least they could do is to sit down and write to the companies concerned.
The only information these people have is what the Minister gave them.
That is all the Minister has himself.