76 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications, if any, of the changes announced in the budget relating to the business expansion scheme for local community organisations which are endeavouring to build advance factories; the number of these projects currently being undertaken; and, of these, the number which will not be able to proceed as a result of the budget changes on the aggregate amount that can be raised. [22873/97]
From January to March 1997, IDA Ireland issued approved certificates in respect of proposed buildings in Carlow, Athlone, Navan and Portlaoise. Buildings are now under construction for the first three of these locations, while negotiations are still ongoing for the construction of a facility in Portlaoise. Two further approved certificates were issued by SFADCo in respect of Ennis and Castleisland. Construction is now under way in both locations.
IDA Ireland has entered negotiations for the 1997-8 tax year scheme with various groups regarding possible support for applications for BES funding for the provision of factories at a number of locations. As the changes in the business expansion scheme have just been announced any impact on the 1997-8 proposals and implications for the operation of the scheme in future years have yet to be determined.
