asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why the two offshore platforms for Marathon's Kinsale gas field are to be built in Scotland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Platforms.
2.
I understand that contracts for the platforms have not yet been placed by Marathon but that the company are only now at the point of formal invitation of tenders.
Is it possible that they could be constructed by an Irish firm?
As I understand it— I do not claim technical expertise— they are jackets, decks and modules. There is no question about the ability of Irish firms to construct modules and decks. I am not certain whether or not there will be tenders from Irish firms for the jackets.
In view of the fact that the majority of the platforms are constructed of reinforced ferro-concrete and we have a plentiful supply of both the aggregate and the cement, does the Minister not accept it would be a great boost from the employment point of view and from the point of view of the manufactured goods and would the Minister do all in his power to ensure firms capable of doing this work will be contacted?
I have been consistently in touch with Marathon about this matter and they are familiar with my desire that the maximum amount of work should be done in Ireland by Irish firms and the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, the IDA and others are continuously exploring methods by which the maximum amount of investment in employment will be given in Ireland.
Could the Minister say if Marathon, when they are inviting tenders, invite CBI who, as the Minister knows, have an interest in a site at Killala in Mayo, to tender for this work?
While it is not the practice to discuss individual matters of this kind at Question Time, I can in fact answer affirmatively. The firm have been invited or will be invited.