asked the Minister for Justice the amount paid for the purchase of the Clover Meats factory, Mulgrave Street, Limerick; the plans for the usage of these premises; and if there was any local interest in acquiring this factory with a view to reopening it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clover Meats Factory.
20.
A sum of £280,000 was paid for the portion of the site acquired by my Department. The site was acquired to enable better work, training and recreational facilities to be provided for prisoners in Limerick Prison. In the short term the site will be used to provide training courses in building construction for selected prisoners.
While the negotiations for the purchase of the site were still in progress an approach was made to the Department about the possibility of leasing part of the premises for a short time for a meat-packing project. The proposal could not be considered at the time since the sale had not been then concluded and the proposal has not since been renewed.
I am not aware of any other local interest in reopening the factory. If an approach were made there is little likelihood that I could agree to either sell or lease the site, which is needed for the development of facilities for Limerick Prison.