asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a statement on the closure of the National Board and Paper Mills, Waterford, and the present position in regard to negotiations for the purchase and re-opening of the mill.
Written Answers. - Waterford Industry Closure.
253.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the board mill section of the National Board and Paper Mills Ltd. at Waterford has been closed as a consequence of a decision taken by the US principals. An offer of grant assistance by the IDA towards expenditure, which consultants considered necessary for the re-equipment of the mill, was not accepted.
The IDA are at present engaged in discussions with a number of industrialists interested in taking over the Waterford plants, and the re-opening of the mill will depend upon a successful conclusion to these negotiations.