andMr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will outline (i) the developments, if any, in relation to the establishment of a leather product factory in the buildings of the Gorey Leather Company, and (ii) the possibility of the establishment of an extra factory in Gorey in view of the high rate of unemployment in the town.
Written Answers. - Industrial Projects for Gorey.
383.
As the Deputy is aware, the Industrial Development Authority in conjunction with Irish Leathers Ltd. has, through its overseas offices, been promoting the Gorey tannery with a view to having it reopened. A number of companies have expressed an interest in the project and some have visited Gorey. I understand that negotiations between Irish Leathers Ltd. and one company are well advanced and it is hoped that a definitive proposal may be presented to the authority shortly. The authority have also approached a number of Irish concerns but so far no real interest in the takeover of the tannery has been forthcoming.
Ansil Ltd. recently commenced the manufacture of aluminium doors and windows in an IDA advance factory in Gorey and work has already commenced on an expansion of the factory. This project has the potential to employ 240 workers by the end of 1981.
I have also been assured by the Industrial Development Authority that negotiations for another industrial project for the town have reached an advanced stage.