The Deputy will be aware that Coillte applied some years ago to buy Balcas. There was a discussion within Government and the outcome was that the proposal fell to one side. At present, Coillte is discussing proposals of all descriptions and sawmilling is high on its agenda.
The company is happy with developments in recent times, particularly the magnificent development at Ballon, County Carlow and in County Cork. It is trying to estimate whether the sawmilling capacity in those two areas is sufficient for the rest of the country. However, it has ideas of becoming involved in that industry, although it will not make a decision on that until it knows the capacity of the existing mills.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.