asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any plans to provide a suitable industry for a factory premises recently closed at Whitepoint, Cobh, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Industry
4.
I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that a number of industrialists have visited the premises in question on itineraries organised by the authority but that, to date, no project has emerged for the premises. The authority will continue to bring the premises to the notice of industrialists with the objective of securing a replacement industry there.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that an American industrialist wanted to acquire the premises in question to provide an industry that would absorb female employment but he was discouraged and dissuaded from doing so by the IDA?
I am not so aware. The premises in question are in private ownership. The IDA brought five different industrialists to the premises with a view to seeing if they would be interested in acquiring it. One of the concerns was a United States-based corporation and, according to my information, they indicated they were not interested in the factory. In view of what the Deputy has said about the United States firm, I would be very glad to have information on the matter and the identity of the firm. Whatever information he can give me on the matter I will convey to the IDA today.
The Parliamentary Secretary will receive the information.