Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Michael Bell

Question:

33 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions her Department has had with the receiver of a company (details supplied) in County Louth regarding the future of this fish processing plant; the efforts which have been made to secure a replacement company; if her attention has been drawn to the serious loss of revenue to the village area and also the loss to the fishing industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12123/02]

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

The future of a company is a matter for the company concerned and, where appropriate, the industrial develop ment agencies and is not one in which I have a direct function. I am informed by Enterprise Ireland, the State agency of my Department with responsibility for indigenous industry, that a receiver was been appointed to the seafood processing company Red Sail Limited from 10 January 2002. The issue of securing a purchaser for the company's assets is in the hands of the receiver. Enterprise Ireland has had ongoing contact with the receiver and has provided him with details of potential investors in the company. In this regard, Enterprise Ireland has been advised that tender sale documents were issued to prospective buyers last week. The final date for receipt of offers is 2 May and it will take a further two weeks for offers to be considered by the receiver.

Enterprise Ireland believes the value added seafood sector offers significant industrial development opportunities and it is actively promoting and supporting growth in this sector. As part of its strategy for developing industry in County Louth, Enterprise Ireland has focused on the knowledge, information, communications and telecommunications sectors for development in the county and is making efforts to encourage the community to develop a suitable high-spec community enterprise centre in Drogheda to accommodate ICT based projects. For its part, IDA Ireland is actively promoting County Louth for foreign direct investment and is about to embark on the development of a new 63 acre business park in Drogheda to enhance the town's attractiveness for new business. The agency hopes to seek a developer to provide the first of a number of marketable buildings in the park by the end of the year. In addition, IDA Ireland is about to seek planning permission for a number of factories and offices in Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk.