asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when industries or advance factories will be established at (a) Millstreet and (b) Newmarket, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Industries.
11.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they have no plans at present to build advance factories in either Millstreet or Newmarket.
The authority have also informed me that there are at present no firm proposals for the establishment of industries in either town but they are ready to support any suitable projects put forward by industrial promoters. A foreign promoter who visited Millstreet during this year has expressed an interest in setting up a small project in the town.
The IDA have suggested a site for a factory at Millstreet. Would the Minister state if this is for an advance factory or whether it is on behalf of an industrialist?
I said that there are no plans at present to build advance factories either in Millstreet or Newmarket.
The IDA have been in the area seeking sites. Perhaps the Minister has not that information but he should know about this.
I have said there are no plans at present to build advance factories.
Is it on behalf of an industrialist?
On previous occasions I have been unwilling to give details, not out of a desire to withhold information but because I know of towns that have lost factories because of premature disclosure. I do not think it would be helpful for me to say any more.
I share the Minister's view about premature disclosure but a member of a political party has tried to make political capital out of this matter. I wanted to know if it was proposed to build an advance factory or if the site was being inspected on behalf of an industrialist. I am entitled to know that considering other public figures have made an anouncement on the matter. Perhaps the Minister would communicate with me later?
If any announcement has been made it has been done without co-operation from my Department or from me. Certainly I will talk to the Deputy about the matter.