Vol. 328 No. 5
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he will make an up-to-date statement on the efforts being made to find a replacement industry for Cappoquin, County Waterford; if he will reconsider the decision not to grant aid to a firm which is willing to modernise the existing bacon factory in Cappoquin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
3.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the plans he has for the provision of an advance factory and/or a replacement industry for Cappoquin, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission, of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos, 2 and 3 together.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are actively promoting the 20-acre site in its ownership at Cappoquin for a suitable industrial project. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with an overseas company which has expressed an interest in locating a project in Cappoquin. The IDA are also having discussions with a number of other companies who are interested in Cappoquin as a location for industrial projects.
No recent application has been made to the IDA for grant assistance towards the cost of modernising the closed bacon factory at Cappoquin. A number of years ago the IDA refused grant assistance for this purpose because the modernisation proposed would not bring the factory to export licence standard.
I am also informed that the IDA are giving consideration to the provision of a 10,000 sq.ft. advance factory in Cappoquin later this year.
Can the Minister give details of the project which is being negotiated at the moment, including employment content and so on?
The IDA are anxious to locate a food processing plant there so as to avail of the skills in the town. Negotiations are at an advanced stage. If the matter is finalised it is proposed to establish a food processing plant which will give employment to about 30 people. Another overseas company are negotiating in a joint venture involving food processing. Later this month a third food processing company is visiting Ireland and the IDA will draw their attention specifically to the excellent work force available in Cappoquin in their endeavours to promote adequate industry in that area. I am not in a position to give the names of those companies.
The project with an employment capacity of 30 is the one which is being actively pursued at the moment?
Yes.
When will the advance factory be provided?
I cannot give any details, but it is proposed to provide one.
Will it be in the course of this year?
I cannot give any more details on that at the moment.
Will the Minister communicate with me on that subject?
Yes.
