asked the Minister for Industry and Energy when the Rincon plant proposed for Westport, County Mayo will be operational.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westport (Mayo) Factory.
10.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the promoters of this project, because of present market conditions, have not yet made a final decision as to the date on which they intend to commence operations in Westport.
Could I remind the Minister that a member of the Government made a formal announcement that this industry were to set up in Westport and practically named the date for their commencement? Is the Minister now telling me that a decision has not yet been taken about whether they will come to Westport?
My information is that it was a member of the Deputy's party in Government who made the announcement. It was Deputy John Kelly.
The Minister is engaging in verbal nonsense. He has given out more jobs in the last two days than would reduce the unemployment figure to acceptable levels. Is he aware of the job losses in the Westport area in the last 18 months, and can he give me an assurance that the Rincon plant will come to Westport?
I notice that the Deputy has veered away from the first question he asked about who made the announcement. I believe the announcement was a bit premature. I am against premature announcements, but that is not to say we are not following up with the company to get them started in Westport at the earliest possible date.
They have lost it.
They have not lost it.
Can the Minister give me an assurance that they will come to Westport?
I cannot give the Deputy that assurance. I have given him the assurance that they have not yet decided what date they will set up. They have not lost interest.
Can the Minister assure me that the IDA will ensure this company will not lose interest in coming to Westport?
They are in constant touch with them. It is my priority and the IDA priority and the priority of every Deputy in Mayo to get them in there as soon as possible.