asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the efforts, if any, that have been made to locate an industry in the Precious Woods factory building in Milford, County Donegal.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Industry.
22.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware that the Precious Woods factory, Milford, County Donegal has been vacant for a number of years; and the progress which has been made in procuring an occupant.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the former Precious Woods factory premises in Milford are being actively promoted for suitable industry. However, there are no immediate prospects of securing a replacement project for the factory.
Would the Minister agree that during the years since this factory closed, various specific promises have been made by IDA personnel which gave rise to hopes that have been dashed since? Is it realistic to think in terms of there ever being a replacement in that premises?
The IDA have been doing the best they can. They have been promoting the premises to the greatest extent practicable and a detailed profile of the company has been circulated to all IDA overseas offices. A number of firms have considered the matter. Irish firms involved in this industry have been contacted by the IDA and also by the receiver and the bank involved with a view to the taking over of the assets. Unhappily, though, it has not proved possible as of yet to find anybody to take them over.
Have the premises been secured by the IDA, not necessarily acquired, for any future industrial use?
I believe the position to be that the receiver is still the legal owner. He has not disposed of them as yet.
It is a very dicey position. The danger may well be that they would be sold at a very low price.
The IDA have a certain amount of control over the matter because if they give capital grants, as they did in this case, they can approve or disapprove of the purchaser.
The ten years are up.
The factory was not in production for the required period of time.
My information is that it was.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.