asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the steps he intends taking to protect employment and public investment in the event of the former Ferenka factory, Limerick, being reopened under new management; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Industry.
18.
The Industrial Development Authority are taking all practical steps to protect public investment in Ferenka. The grant paid to the company has been revoked and a claim for the repayment has been served on the liquidator.
In accordance with normal practice the Industrial Development Authority will examine very critically any proposals for the reopening of the former Ferenka factory with a view to establishing the long-term viability of the project. The protection of public investment involved in such a development would be a matter of major concern to the authority and, apart from any other safeguards, would be secured by the insertion of a provision in the grant agreement for repayment of the grant in certain circumstances.
Would the Minister indicate what the likely prospects are of the plant being reopened in the immediate future?
I would hope that in about a month's time a decision would be taken by one company, which is very interested in the plant, as to whether or not it will move in and reopen it.
Is there any other company interested?
There is more than one but one company is showing a particular interest. There are other companies also interested.