asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will seek land in the possession of the Land Commission beside the town of Portumna, County Galway, with a view to the development of an industrial site there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portumna Industrial Site.
29.
I have been informed that the Industrial Development Authority are endeavouring to acquire a site at Portumna for industrial development.
The site, which was formerly in the possession of the Land Commission, is now privately owned. Negotiations are in progress with the Land Commission to provide the owner with an alternative piece of land in exchange for the site.
If this exchange can be arranged the authority are prepared to purchase the site.
Is the Minister aware that the Land Commission have actually refused to give a site which is an ideal one? A neighbouring farmer will give the Land Commission an exchange so that there would be an industry beside the town. The land of that farmer is not suitable as an industrial site but he is willing to give that land to the Land Commission in lieu of the ideal site. The Forestry Division of the Department of Lands have an ideal site which an industrialist is willing to take. I request the Minister to do his utmost to get co-operation in this regard between the different Departments so that we can get an industry for this town.
My information is not entirely in accord with the situation as the Deputy tells it. However I will look into the matter and do my utmost to see that a satisfactory site is obtained and that the projected use of it goes ahead. I will communicate with the Deputy.