Vol. 563 No. 4
157 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her future plans for the Polymer Development Centre in Athlone, County Westmeath; when Enterprise Ireland intends to make a final decision on its future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7682/03]
The future of the Polymer Development Centre in Athlone is a matter for Enterprise Ireland, and is not one in which I have a direct function.
However, I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that in reviewing the future of the Polymer Development Centre the agency came to the view that the work undertaken by the centre, while a valuable industrial support operation, responsive to the technology needs of the sector, should, in the future, be developed as a spin-off commercial entity, operating outside Enterprise Ireland.
Following this decision Enterprise Ireland received an expression of interest in April 2002 from two members of the staff of the centre who have indicated their interest in pursuing a spin-off commercial option.
In addition, at the beginning of 2003 a proposal emerged from the Athlone Institute of Technology that would involve the facilities of the centre being absorbed into the institute to carry out a broad research and educational remit, while continuing to provide some level of continuing commercial services.
In evaluating these options, Enterprise Ireland's objective is to reach an outcome which will best utilise the resources of the centre in the interests of the development needs of the sector within the Irish economy. Enterprise Ireland expects to bring these discussions to a conclusion as soon as possible, but within a target date of the next two months.
