asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reason the Tartung Corporation of Taiwan have not proceeded with their plans to commence a major industrial project at Drogheda, County Louth; if they will commence in 1988; if so, when employment will commence; the present position regarding the last Government's decision to approve a £6 million equity in this company's project at Drogheda; if they have pulled out because of the major fire at the parent company or for any other reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tartung Corporation Project.
57.
I understand from the IDA that the promoters of the project in question confirmed recently to the IDA their intention to proceed with the Drogheda project towards the end of the current year. It is envisaged that 400 jobs will be created subject to market conditions remaining favourable; 200 of these will be created during the first two years of the project.
The timing of the commencement of the project is a matter for the company itself to decide in the light of its own commercial judgment. I understand also that the major fire at the promoters' Taipei factory was a significant factor in the decision to postpone the project until later this year.
Details of grants approved for the project are confidential to the company and IDA at this stage, but they will published in due course in the IDA's annual report.