Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Jun 1990

Vol. 400 No. 3

Written Answers. - Castleblayney (Monaghan) Rabbitmeat Plant.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

27 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a rabbit factory ceased production in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; the type of project evaluation which was carried out by the IDA; the amount of grant paid; and the amount of the grant which was recovered when the plant ceased production.

William Cotter

Ceist:

28 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he has taken to reopen the Castleblayney Meats factory, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.

The question of reopening this rabbitmeat slaughtering premises is primarily a commercial matter. However, all rabbitmeat exporting plants in the country must meet the veterinary and hygiene standards laid down in the national legislation. The plants must also meet the requirements of the veterinary authorities of the importing country.

I understand that, since the project was approved by the IDA, market conditions for rabbitmeat became very difficult on the French market, the main outlet for this company's product. This was a major factor in the continued viability of the project.

The normal IDA assessment criteria involving market identification, commercial viability and scope for expansion, were applied in project evaluation. Following this evaluation, an IDA capital grant of £54,928 was paid to the company.No moneys have been recovered but, I understand, that the IDA have initiated measures for their recovery.