Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 5

Written Answers. - County Waterford Wood Pulp Industry.

Edward Nealon

Ceist:

165 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry arising out of the locating of a new woodpulp industry in Waterford despite the fact that the greater portion of the raw materials will come from forests in the west and north-west and in view of the promise made by him that a further woodpulp industry would be located in the west, the progress that has been made in this respect; the work that has been done by the IDA and by Coillte in seeking a partner for such an enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

As I indicated in reply to a question on 7 October 1993, there is a number of possible options for dealing with the increasing timber resources of the area referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will, however, understand that to announce details of the ongoing efforts being made as regards wood-processing facilities could be counter-productive at this stage, given the international competition for such facilities.

I can nevertheless assure the Deputy that this matter is currently being pursued on a priority basis and that every endeavour will be made to ensure a successful outcome for the West of Ireland.