Vol. 482 No. 5
21 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has instructed the IDA to involve itself in the provision of an advance factory for Tipperary town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18351/97]
38 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has re-appointed the inter agency group IDA for south Tipperary; if she has requested them to give priority to Tipperary town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18350/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 38 together.
The Tipperary inter-agency group, established following the closure of Tambrands and Mass Mutual in Tipperary Town and Schiesser in Carrick-on-Suir, is still in existence. This group comprises representatives of IDA Ireland, FÁS, Tipperary County Enterprise Board, Forbairt and SFADCo.
Following the closures of the Tambrands and Mass Mutual facilities, the inter-agency group has succeeded in securing replacement industries for Tipperary Town. During the past year two project announcements have been made for the town. The Pall corporation, now located in the former Tambrands premises, is currently in start-up phase employing nine people with a potential for significant increase. The other is continental promotion group located in the former Mass Mutual facility, which at present has 40 people employed and is expected to expand its operation shortly.
The Tipperary inter-agency group continues to promote Tipperary Town and its environs for overseas mobile investment.
Advance Factories for industrial development are now provided by the private sector. A 6,000 sq. ft. advance factory is currently being upgraded. Although in the ownership of the local authority, it will be actively marketed by the various State agencies, including IDA Ireland at international level, to attract additional investment to the town.
