asked the Minister for Industry and Energy when work will commence on the building of the briquette factory in Ballyforan, County Roscommon; and how long construction will take.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Briquette Factory.
16.
The timing for commencement of work on the Ballyforan briquette factory is being considered in the context of a current general review of Bord na Móna's development programme and the financing thereof. I am not, therefore, in a position to give a precise reply to the first part of the Deputy's question, but I am confident that the results of this review will avoid any material delay in getting work commenced on the Ballyforan briquette factory.
It is estimated that the factory could be brought into commission within two and a half years of the commencement of construction. Work on the bog area, to service the factory, is proceeding.
When does the Minister expect that Bord na Móna will be in a position to start the briquette factory? He has stated that currently thay are examining their expenditure programme. In view of the fact that vast amounts of money have been spent on the development of bogs there which cannot be brought into production until the briquette factory is built, could he give me some idea of when Bord na Móna will be in a position to start that briquette factory?
In the design of the factory, the capacity, and the programme laid down by Bord na Móna, there were two phases. It was planned that phase 1 would be brought into operation in 1985 and phase 2 in 1988. The programme envisages that work will start in the present year. It is quite possible that the development work will start in the present year.
In view of the commitment given by the Minister's party in the general election, is the Minister prepared to honour that commitment now by stating positively that construction of the briquette factory will start immediately?
I am positive that any commitment given by Fianna Fáil in the election will be honoured. I will ask the Minister involved to give the Deputy the assurance he seeks. He may be in a position to do that this evening, as I believe the Deputy intends to raise this matter at a later stage.
Have Bord an Móna made any decision about the timing of the building of this briquette factory? Alternatively has the Minister indicated that there is a lack of funds for the building of this factory? Is the Minister aware of the need, as expressed by Bord na Móna, for the building of this briquette factory?
The overall capital programme for Bord na Móna in the current year envisages expenditure for the Ballyforan factory. It is intended that Bord na Móna will generate their own funds for this project.
Do Bord na Móna intend to apply for an IDA grant to build and equip this factory?
I believe that matter is under consideration.
In view of the uncertainty about the commencement date, and the equal uncertainty about the financing of this operation, would the Minister agree that the electoral commitment to which Deputy Naughten referred is well-nigh spurious?
The Deputy may be uncertain about the future of this project. I do not share his uncertainty. I believe the project will go ahead as promised.
Live horse.