Vol. 429 No. 4
17 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in view of the huge quantities of lodgepole pine now being grown and exported from this country and also in view of its proven use as a source of material for oriented strandboard, it is proposed to establish a State sponsored oriented strandboard industry in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
42 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if it is proposed to establish a wood processing industry in the West of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
71 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present position regarding the proposal to establish a new board factory; if he will confirm whether any sites in County Galway are being considered for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 42 and 71 together.
The development of a new strandboard plant is a priority project for the Government in the forest sector and is specifically outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
Coillte Teoranta is currently examining the feasibility of establishing such a facility in association with an overseas firm. Detailed negotiations are now underway between the two parties and I am confident that a successful outcome can be achieved.
