Vol. 420 No. 9
22 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Energy the progress which has been made in regard to the discussions between a major international consultancy firm and the IDA on the viability of establishing a smelter in this country; if any deadline has been set for the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The IDA has recently concluded discussions with an international consultancy firm on the feasibility of establishing a zinc smelter. The IDA report concludes that a zinc smelter would not be viable because of the high capital and energy costs involved and the poor outlook for zinc prices in the medium term. On the basis of the facts presented to me in the report I would have to say that I concur with this view.
