asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what proposals are at present with the IDA for the provision of advance factories in Mountbellew and Ballygar, County Galway; what stage the plans have reached; and when it is expected that work on these factories will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Factories.
86.
In accordance with their interim programme for advance factories the Industrial Development Authority have been endeavouring to secure suitable sites for the construction of advance factories at Mountbellew and Ballygar. In the case of Mountbellew, a suitable site has been located and negotiations for its acquisition are currently under way. It has not been possible, as yet, to find a suitable site in Ballygar. It will be appreciated that, until such time as sites have been secured, it is not possible to give firm dates for the commencement of work on the factories.
Is the Minister aware that on a recent television programme "The Politicians" Deputy Hussey, who represents these areas, stated that the IDA had plans for advance factories in Ballygar and Mountbellew?
That is correct. I have just confirmed that.
What type of factories are these?
Advance factories. The standard type. I have confirmed that the IDA have plans for the provision of advance factories in both Ballygar and Mountbellew but that they have had difficulty in procuring a suitable site in Ballygar. I do not get the opportunity of seeing those broadcasts. I have work to do.
What type of industry is envisaged there?
There is no specific type of industry envisaged.
The factory is a building then?
Yes. Over 30 of those advance factories are being provided in the country but when the decision was taken to provide them specific plans for what was to go into each factory had not been arranged.
The Minister said they could not find a suitable site in Ballygar. Is he aware that there is a glorified hayshed in that area which has been erected by the IDA as an advance factory? This is nothing but a refuge for stray donkeys. Did he check his facts?
I am sure the Deputy will find a haven in it.
There is no point in having buildings anywhere. You can erect a million of these but if you cannot put industries into them you are wasting your time.
Do not worry. Industries will go into every one of the 30 odd advance factories being provided. Is the Deputy in opposition to an advance factory in Ballygar?
No, I am trying to get the Minister to give me an answer. Deputy Tully happened to be on that programme.
I have given the Deputy an answer. Now it transpires he knew it because of the generosity of Deputy Hussey.
I do not want people in that area to be misled.
Deputy Hussey gave the information but will the Minister say whether it will be this year, next year or this century?
The IDA announced this quite a time ago.
(Interruptions.)