asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the cost of the erection of the advance factory at Freshford, County Kilkenny; the cost of interest repayments since the factory was completed; the present condition of the factory; if there is any genuine effort being made to procure any industry for the Freshford factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kilkenny Factories.
63.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the cost of the factory in question was £124,000. As regards interest repayments, the IDA receives its capital funding from a grant-in-aid from my Department and from its own resources and accordingly interest repayments do not apply in the IDA context.
The factory, which is in good condition and is suitable for occupation, continues to be actively promoted by the IDA for a suitable industrial project. While representatives of two overseas companies visited the factory last year and other local initiatives were taken, no firm project for the factory has yet emerged.
64.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that the caravan factory at Moneenroe, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny is vacant for some time past; if his Department or the IDA have any plans or proposals to provide an industry for this factory, particularly as this is an unemployment black spot; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the closure of the caravan factory at Moneenroe. The Industrial Development Authority have been very active in promoting industry in Castlecomer and three small industry projects were approved in 1985. They will continue to promote the area as an attractive location for new industrial projects and in this connection will bring the factory to the attention of all interested promoters.
65.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that Kilkenny Engineering Products factory at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, recently closed down; if his Department or the IDA have ay proposals to provide alternative employment in the Castlecomer area, or provide an alternative industry for the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the closure of the Kilkenny Engineering Products factory at Castlecomer and the consequential loss of employment. Every effort is being made by the IDA to try to secure a replacement industry for the factory which could provide alternative employment for the workers affected by the closure. In addition, the IDA have been very active in promoting, and will continue to promote, industry in the Castlecomer area. During 1985 three small industry projects were approved.