asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when a decision is likely on the siting of the proposed smelter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smelter Site Decision.
19.
As I announced some time ago, I have entrusted to the Industrial Development Authority the task of undertaking consultations with potential participants in an Irish zinc smelter project. These consultations have not yet been concluded.
When the likely participants in the project have been identified one of a number of critical questions to be studied will be the most suitable location for the smelter from the economic and environmental aspects. At this stage I am, therefore, not in a position to suggest when a decision on the location question is likely to be forthcoming.
(Dublin Central): The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the siting of a smelter is of vital importance and can he give any indication as to when, in the foreseeable future, he will be able to make a decision on this very important matter?
The situation is that a number of companies who may be interested in this smelter are making submissions to the IDA and the procedure will be to examine these submissions to find out with which company, or companies, it would be proper to have negotiations. When that has been decided the question of location can then be decided. Until there is a firm proposal to go ahead with a particular company it is not actually possible to deal with the question of location.
(Dublin Central): Have any firm proposals been put forward as to the location? Are there options?
There are a number of general proposals about locations from different people in different areas. Obviously, the IDA will be looking at environmental considerations and these will in large measure determine the decision on location. There are no firm proposals yet in the sense the Deputy means.
We will not have any announcement this week-end, will we?
I could not say.