Seamus Kirk
Ceist:102 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will establish a rape seed oil processing facility in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4136/95]
Written Answers. - Rape Seed Oil Processing Facility.
The establishment of a rapeseed oil processing facility in Ireland is a matter for private enterprise, and would be dependent on an assessment of its commercial viability. Such an enterprise did exist in Drogheda up to the mid 1980s. A feasibility study, supported by my Department, was carried out in 1986 on behalf of a potential investor on the possibilities of establishing an oilseed rape processing plant. The investment did not, however, materialise.
In view of the changes which have taken place in the support arrangements for oilseeds production under CAP reform and the limits placed on oilseed production at EU and member state level under GATT, it would be necessary for any prospective investor to carry out new feasibility studies which would have to include the matter of the future availability of raw materials.
Oilseeds constitute one of a range of crops that can also be grown on set-aside ground under the EU regulation for non-food purposes such as in the production of biofuels. In this regard I wish to refer to a reply I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 31 January 1985 tabled by the Deputy on this subject in which I stated that I have a keen interest in seeing set-aside land being brought into more gainful use.