asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will make a statement on the market prospects in 1984 for medium density fibreboard; the total output to date from the MDF plant at Clonmel; the number of people employed there directly and indirectly; and the total financial investment by the State to date in the project.
Written Answers. - Clonmel Fibreboard Plant.
368.
I understand that because of general economic recovery in Europe increased demand for the product in question is likely. The market prospects are, thus, reasonably encouraging.
Information as to the output levels of individual companies is, ordinarily, not available to me and, even if it were, I would be unable to divulge it for reasons of confidentiality.
As to employment, I understand that 126 people are now employed in the plant in question. In addition, its activities have generated employment in timber harvesting, sawmilling and transportation. I have no accurate information as to the level of this employment but I understand it to be substantial.
Details of the total amounts of grant paid by the Industrial Development Authority to the undertaking in question up to the end of 1983 will be published in the annual report of the authority for 1983.