Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 3

Written Answers. - Abattoir Reopening.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

117 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the action taken arising from a meeting with an Irish Farmers' Association delegation in Tralee, County Kerry, on 22 November; and the commitments given by the Taoiseach in relation to the reopening of Tralee Beef and Lamb. [31800/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Recently the Taoiseach met parties affected by the closure of this premises and noted the concerns expressed. The reopening of Tralee Beef and Lamb, which is currently in receivership, will be a commercial matter for any potential owners who become involved.

The enterprise, which is a custom built facility, received national and EU grant assistance total ling over £200,000 in 1996 when it commenced production. As such it is a modern facility capable of meeting EU abattoir standards, the reopening of which will be facilitated in every way possible.