asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) the number of advance factories in the course of construction, (b) the number in respect of which contracts are being sought for construction and (c) the number which are at design stage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advance Factories.
83.
I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that six advance factories are under construction, that tenders have been accepted for a further 14, on which work is expected to commence shortly, that tenders have been invited for one further advance factory and that 17 advance factories are at the design stage.
84.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the average time from the completion of an advance factory until it is occupied by an industry.
The only experience to date relates to the provision of advance factories at Galway and Waterford industrial estates. I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that about 90 per cent of the factories were occupied either on completion, or very shortly afterwards, projects having already been secured for them. In only a few instances were factories unoccupied for a period in excess of five months after completion.