Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Advance Factories.

John Ellis

Question:

225 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will ask the peace and reconciliation fund to make funds available to Forbairt for the provision of two advance factories of 25,000 square feet each at Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. [6584/97]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I understand that funding for the provision of advance factories in the southern Border counties does not fall within the ambit of the special support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. It would, therefore, not be appropriate for me to seek the funding requested by the Deputy. Furthermore, Forbairt has no responsibility for the provision of advance factory space. Responsibility for same has, since January 1996, rested with IDA Ireland.

Current policy in relation to the provision of factory space is that it will, in future, be provided by the private sector. IDA Ireland will promote all advance factory space provided by the private sector and will, in addition, encourage the private sector to provide advance factories in selected locations.

IDA Ireland seeks to ensure that the supply of advance factories in any area matches the demand. This ensures that factories are not vacant for long periods and that private investors receive a return on their investments.

I understand that there are two advance factories, each of 11,000 sq. ft., in County Leitrim at present. They are located at Drumshambo and Rooskey. Both are currently reserved for projects. There are also two vacant units of 3,160 sq. ft. each in Manorhamilton.

Two projects have recently been announced for other advance factories in Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinamore.