asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reason for the delay in connection with the advance factory for Tipperary town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Advance Factory.
38.
As the advance factory for Tipperary town was completed in December, 1973, it has not been vacant for an unduly long time. An interest expressed previously by a manufacturing firm did not develop and the Industrial Development Authority are continuing to seek a project for the factory.
I am also informed by the IDA that they have a serious inquiry from a company which has expressed an interest in a separate ten-acre site in the town.
Could the Minister confirm that APCO have allowed all their options to lapse?
I cannot confirm it because I was not aware of it. If the Deputy says it is so, I am sure he has good reason for saying so.
I was asking the question.
I am not so aware. In regard to that refinery the question at issue was the matter of planning permission which has been granted by the Minister for Local Government.
How far have negotiations gone between the IDA and the APCO company? Have they yet reached an advanced stage in relation to the financing of the project?
I understand that the negotiations have reached an advanced stage but that the APCO company are reviewing the programme in the light of the planning permission granted. My understanding is not that the cause of this review is any dissatisfaction with the IDA or any hold-up on the part of the IDA. If the Deputy has information of any dissatisfaction or hold-up, I should be glad to have it because, as far as I know, there is nothing of that kind.
Could the Minister confirm if it has come to his knowledge that the options have lapsed on the land?
No.
In view of the statement some time ago by the Minister for Transport and Power in which he expressed concern about the fact that this industry was not coming, would the Minister have any further light to shed on it?
I cannot shed light on this except to say that for an undertaking like this there is, first, the matter of permission which has been granted. Secondly, there is the matter of assistance from the IDA if such is appropriate—it is in some cases and not in others. When those things are cleared it is the company that must decide whether it proceeds or not. I have no evidence of any decision either to proceed or not. I have information that the company is reviewing the project but it is not for lack of either planning permission or IDA co-operation that the review is being undertaken.
Is the Minister aware that there are other companies——
Question No. 39. The next question has been called. Deputy Crowley has got a good deal of latitude and should not be unfair with the Chair and the House.
——that are quite prepared to come in without any grant and if, in view of that——
Question No. 39 please.