Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Development.

Louis J. Belton

Question:

90 Mr. Belton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation in regard to a new project for the former Atlantic Mills site at Clondra, County Longford; and if the Government will support a purchase of the site by the IDA for an industrial park in the event of failure to find a major project. [5797/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Negotiations for the sale of the Atlantic Mills site, for a new textile operation, to an interested party did not succeed. IDA has now actively resumed marketing the Atlantic Mills facility in Longford. A new marketing programme is under way through IDA's network of overseas offices.

I established the Longford interagency group in December 1998 following the closure of Atlantic Mills at Clondra. The group is examining the issues that require attention in order to enhance Longford's potential to attract further overseas investment. Longford is a priority location for IDA who are working closely with the inter-agency group and with local business and community interests to actively market Longford for inward investment. IDA is confident that success will be achieved in the county in the coming year. My announcement on 16 February 2000 of Donnelly Electronics' intention to establish a manufacturing operation at Longford is a very positive development for the region.

The Government is committed to ensuring that there is adequate provision of property for the purposes of industrial development in the State. The main elements of the policy in relation to industrial property include industrial land is to be provided by IDA Ireland directly and, where possible, in partnership with the local authorities and the private sector; provision of industrial buildings is to be made by the private sector; the State should minimise its involvement in the pro vision and ownership of individual buildings; and IDA Ireland should, as far as is practical, dispose of its holdings of industrial buildings.

The management of the industrial property portfolio is a day to day matter for IDA Ireland. While no new factory space is now provided directly by IDA Ireland, the agency relies instead mainly on private developers and grant assistance to industrial investors to provide their own premises. However, IDA Ireland still plays a crucial role in ensuring there is adequate land zoned and developed for industrial purposes in the regions it serves.