asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the estimated cost of the damage done to the vacant factory building at Mervue, Galway, formerly occupied by Crown Controls Limited; and the plans there are for the future use of this building.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mervue, Galway Factory Damage.
14.
(Limerick East): I have been informed by the IDA that negotiations for the sale of the vacant factory building at Mervue, Galway, are at an advanced stage and in these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matters raised by the Deputy.
The Minister has not answered the question, the first part of which was about the estimated cost of the damage done to the vacant factory building at Mervue.
(Limerick East): I cannot answer that in present circumstances. The only way I could give an estimate would be by giving the estimated cost of refurbishment of the building and because of the negotiations that are going on, which I am confident will be successfully concluded, I would be releasing information in the middle of negotiations which would upset the negotiation package.
Does the Minister agree that the IDA had a duty to ensure the protection of this building from vandalism and that their failure to do so has resulted in a loss of taxpayers' money, which I conservatively estimate to be about £1.5 million?
(Limerick East): I cannot agree with the Deputy's estimate. I know the IDA spent a certain amount of money covering windows and doors as a protection against vandalism. I understand a security firm was involved.
Does the Minister agree there has been scandalous neglect of State property in this case which has resulted in a huge loss to the taxpayers? Who is responsible or accountable for this loss?
(Limerick East): I do not agree with the drift of the Deputy's last question. The IDA are negotiating for the transfer of this property and at the end of the day I think the interests of the taxpayers will be very well protected.
Is it true that the company in occupation of the building, who transferred their operations from it to a larger premises which had become vacant, left the factory in excellent condition and that it is now a total wreck, with the roof completely destroyed and a dwelling house in the grounds in which management lived completely vandalised and uninhabitable? The whole fabric of the building has been completely damaged resulting in a loss of at least £1.5 million. This is a scandal and the Minister should not try to cover it up.
(Limerick East): I cannot agree with the Deputy's figures, but there is no doubt that some vandalism occurred. Negotiations are being concluded which will involve refurbishment of the building and a plan for its use. I think that when the Deputy has the full information about the negotiations he will be quite happy about the conclusion.
We must get on to other questions. I have allowed a considerable number of supplementaries on this question.
I have been here since 2.30 p.m. to get the reply to this question. I have seen you handling other questions——
The Deputy is quarrelling with the Chair. He is too fond of that.
I have not been arguing with you for a long time.
Not since the Deputy moved up there.
The Deputy should not tease me. The Minister said he does not accept my estimate. Why is he refusing to give us his estimate?
(Limerick East): Negotiations are going on and they involve refurbishment of the factory. If I gave my estimate of the refurbishment costs, that would give away one side of the argument. I am prepared to talk to the Deputy privately to put him in the picture. I ask him to accept my bona fides. I am not trying to hold back information but it would be remiss of me to give the figure the Deputy is looking for because it would upset the negotiations.
I will talk to the Minister in his office about the matter.