Vol. 412 No. 6
32 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the steps taken to date to make available £2 million for replacement industrial infrastructure for Tuam, County Galway in the light of the closure of Tuam Sugar Factory and Government commitments given at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In August 1990, the Government decision to restructure Siuicre Éireann stipulated that the company should give an undertaking to provide a free site and make a contribution to £2 million towards the establishment of a new industry in Tuam. An agreement was reached subsequently, on foot of the Government decision, between the company and Tuam Community Group.
In September 1990, the company finalised details with the IDA and a private developer regarding the construction of a 20,000 sq. ft. advance factory on 1.5 acres on the sugar factory lands in Tuam. In addition to the free site the company agreed to pay the cost of its development. The company undertook to guarantee the rent for the new factory for three year or until a tenant was found. Furthermore, the company agreed to provide a second site, free of charge, on the same terms applying to the first advance factory.
The company indicated that in consultation with the community group, they would consider further investment in Tuam within the context of the Government decision and in the light of progress achieved.
I understand that because of difficulties relating to the provision of sewerage facilities to the site, the developer has withdrawn and the building of the advance factory has not taken place. However, the company — now Greencore plc — is fully committed to the £2 million contribution and to the completion of the advance factory projects on their site. The matter of the provision of appropriate sewerage services is not under the company's direct control. Nevertheless, I am confident that all the interests involved will pursue this matter through to a successful conclusion.
The company as part of the £2 million contribution have agreed to contribute £250,000 to Action Tuam Limited towards the purchase and construction of an enterprise centre at the Weir Road, Tuam. I understand that £150,000 of this has been paid already.
