asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any plans regarding the provision of industry in the south Offaly area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industry.
24.
The Industrial Development Authority's regional plans envisage the creation of over 500 new jobs in industry in south Offaly and every effort is being made to achieve this target.
The authority is in consultation with Offaly County Council about the acquisition of serviced factory sites in Birr and Banagher, and for additional land in Tullamore, where an advance factory has already been completed and another factory for a specific project is under construction.
25.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department has any proposals to purchase land in Portlaoise for the purpose of starting new industries.
I understand that the IDA has purchased from the Laois County Council nine acres of land in Portlaoise for industrial development.
The IDA has also informed the county council of its interest in obtaining additional industrial land on a site recently purchased in Portlaoise by the council.
26.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department or the IDA have had any discussions with the management or the union involved in the new textile factory in Clara, County Offaly, which has been closed for almost a year, in order to have it reopened.
The IDA had extensive but unsuccessful discussions with the management and the union involved in the textile project in Clara with a view to having the factory re-opened. The IDA is now seeking a replacement project for the Clara premises and is in discussion with two companies which have expressed interest in establishing there.
27.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the proposals his Department or the IDA have for the advance factory in Tullamore, County Offaly.
I understand that the IDA has recently approved a grant for a new industry which is expected to commence production in the advance factory in Tullamore later this year.
Pending the completion of certain details, however, I am not in a position to disclose particulars of the project at this stage.