Both Forbairt and IDA Ireland, the principal industrial development agencies under the aegis of my Department, have been extensively promoting the factory in Ballyjamesduff since it became vacant in May 1991 when Alfa Elastics ceased its operations there. To enhance its appeal, IDA Ireland, which owns the facility, has even offered it at substantially more attractive rates than the agency's norm for such a building. I have now been advised that discussions are ongoing between Forbairt and a potential client for the factory. Forbairt is optimistic of a positive outcome to these discussions. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the current negotiations are confidential and I am thus precluded from disclosing any details at this stage but I would hope an announcement will be made in the manner shortly.
As regards employment in Ballyjamesduff generally, the good news from Cavan County Enterprise Board is that, since its establishment in 1993, the board has approved 13 projects in the town and surrounding area. An amount of £141,198 has been approved in grants for these projects; £54,416 of this has already been drawn down. The projects are projected to result in 39 full-time and three part-time jobs of which 22 full-time and one part-time are already in place.
