asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the increase in the production of mineral ores in the Republic, he will state when and where the smelter plant will be erected to process these ores.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smelter Plant Location.
43.
The erection of a smelter, as has been explained to the House on a number of occasions, is a matter for private enterprise. The Smelter Corporation of Ireland Limited made the proposal for the establishment of a zinc smelter, but have not reached a final decision about it. The Industrial Development Authority are in close touch with the corporation and will be informed of their decision. I am not in a position to say when the corporation are likely to reach a decision nor what their choice of location may be.
Is the Minister aware that everybody outside this House, particularly everybody in the west, thinks that a deliberate attempt is being made by the Government to bring this smelter plant to the Cork region? Will the Minister assure the House that we will be afforded an equal chance in this race in view of the fact that we have the bulk of the mineral wealth at Tynagh in County Galway and also that it would be a much needed boost to the economy of the west to have the smelter plant erected there, where it should be, in my opinion?
My problem is that when the Deputy says "we" in this regard I am wondering——
The queen always says that.
He is speaking in the royal plural.
Yes, but to what area is he referring?
The western region— Galway or Mayo.
As I have stated, it is specifically a matter for private enterprise but in relation to any negotiations which private enterprise may have with the IDA in this regard, the House can be quite satisfied that in relation to grant aids, the incentive for going to the designated areas is substantially greater than the grant aiding in other areas. This differential would be maintained in relation to the smelter.
I assume the Minister does not want a report on Drogheda?