andMr. Brosnan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the proposed development plan for Irish Steel Holdings Limited, Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork is finalised; and, if so, if he will provide the necessary finance to implement the plan in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Steel Holdings.
1.
The proposed development plan for Irish Steel Holdings Limited has not yet been finalised. A detailed examination of the proposals contained in the plan is at present being carried out by my Department. It is expected that the matter will be decided in the near future. A sum of £8.23 million is included in the public capital programme for 1976 for possible expenditure on the development plan.
Will the Minister give an indication when the plan will be finalised? He gave a commitment to a deputation that tenders for the work would be sought in the first half of 1976. We are very near to that time now.
This matter will be before the authority in the IDA on 26th May. That is the kind of time scale involved. It does not get to them until it is in a final form. I do not like to put a number of days or weeks on this. When I say "in the near future" I do not mean in the autumn. The matter will be before the authority in a week.
May I take it that this matter will be considered during the summer?
I think that is so. I hope it will be sooner but it will certainly be by then.