asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if, with reference to paragraph 4.21 of the recent Government Green Paper, he will state the "certain major aspects" of the smelter project which have yet to be fully defined and considered; and the reason for the delay in so doing.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Smelter Project .
16.
: Following the decision of New Jersey Zinc Company not to commit itself to the construction of a smelter here at the present time, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy requested the IDA to review the situation. He discussed with the IDA the possible course of action and the significant issues which should be covered in the review and it was decided that the IDA should also apply for planning permission and proceed with land acquisition at the Ballylongford, County Kerry site. The IDA are currently taking steps to submit an application for planning permission and to acquire the necessary land.
Among the major aspects to be defined and considered in the IDA review are the participants in the project including the extent of State involvement, the financing arrangements, certain technical aspects, particularly the smelting process and, of course, the crucial issue of the supply, demand and price outlook for zinc metal and zinc products. It is difficult to put a precise time scale on the review by the IDA as, due to the unsettled condition of the zinc market, it may be some time before it will be possible to make assumptions with a reasonable degree of confidence on the future outlook for zinc.
: Does the Minister accept that a smelter project is of fundamental national importance and that there should be no delay in developing the project in all stages?
: We will proceed at the earliest feasible date.
: Question No. 17.
: On a point of order, may I ask a second Supplementary?
: No, I have called the next question and it is being answered.