asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the progress that has been made in negotiations with representatives of the Government of the USSR regarding the building of a smelter in this country.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Irish Smelter .
33.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will provide details of the proposals made by representatives of the USSR to his Department regarding possible participation in the construction of an Irish smelter and the response made by the Irish Government; and the current state of negotiations, if any.
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
The USSR has indicated its interest in constructing smelting plant in Ireland, in the provision of equipment, technology and training of personnel and has been provided with information on the likely capacity of an Irish zinc smelter, on the orebody at Navan and certain other general information. As the Deputy is aware the IDA is at present studying possible alternative courses of action open to us following the decision of the New Jersey Zinc Company not to commit itself to the construction of a smelter here at the present time, and when these studies are completed the further steps to be taken will be considered.
: Has a definite decision been taken to locate a smelter in the Shannon Estuary? The Minister indicated at a press conference in Limerick on Tuesday that formal application had been made for outline planning permission for a smelter on the Shannon Estuary. There appears to be a categorical difference. How does the Minister of State reconcile that with the rather vague generalities he gave?
: The decision to apply for outline planning permission for the Site at Ballylongford has been taken.
: Has a decision been taken to locate a smelter on the Shannon Estuary?
: A decision to apply for outline planning permission, as I have already said, for a zinc smelter on the Estuary at Ballylongford has been taken.
35.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will provide details of the current state of negotiations between his Department and the various groups which have expressed an interest in participating in the establishment of an Irish smelter; and when such negotiations, if any, are likely to be concluded.
: As I have previously indicated the IDA is at present studying the situation following the decision of New Jersey Zinc Company not to commit itself to the construction of a smelter here at the present time.
I have discussed with the IDA the possible courses of action and the significant issues which should be covered in their review. In the meantime I do not envisage any substantive negotiations with potential participants in the project.