asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there are proposals for the erection of a smelting plant in County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Smelting Plant.
77.
I presume the Deputy has in mind the erection of a lead-zinc smelter. As I have stated on previous occasions, the establishment of a smelter is a matter for private enterprise. A smelter company, a subsidiary of a mining group operating in this country, are examining the findings of a feasibility study on the question of establishing a smelter in this country. Pending their decision, I am not in a position to indicate the proposed location of the smelter.
I am sure the county from which this product comes will get favourable consideration when the Minister is making a decision.
The decision on the location will not be made by me. The feasibility study to which I have referred covers various aspects of the operation, including the provision of the necessary finance and so on, and also the economic factors indicating the correct location for it. The decision, which would be made by the promoters of the project, would be based on advice offered to them by that study, which would be purely factual, based on all factors that go to make a decision on the right location. The decision will be one to be made by the promoters and will be based on the advice offered in the feasibility study, which will be factual. It will be based on all the factors which go into the making of a decision about the location.
Has the Minister no idea whatsoever as to where the smelting plant will be erected?
No. No final decision has been made on it.
Are some places being considered?
It is obvious to anybody who thinks about it that there are only a few possible locations in the country for this operation.
Could the Minister tell me whether it will be south or north?
I can tell the Deputy that no final decision has been made.
Will it be down in Cork?
As I told Deputy Donnellan, no final decision has been made.
I am nearly certain it will be Cork.