Niamh Smyth
Ceist:106. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the opening of a factory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 March 2022
Ceisteanna (106)
Freagraí scríofa
The factory in Carrickmacross was officially opened in November 2019 when the fit out of the facility was completed. As a proposed manufacturer of infant formula supplying the Chinese market, the company is required to have their facility fully audited and approved for operations prior to the commencement of any production.
As the Deputy may be aware, this process includes approval by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and also inspection and approval by the Chinese authorities. However, delays to this mandatory regulatory approval process were encountered due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions.
Whilst DAFM approved the site for production in mid-2021, Chinese approval is still outstanding.
Officials from DAFM are in the process of liaising with their Chinese counterparts in order to determine whether Irish officials can undertake this approvals process on their behalf. In that regard, DAFM hopes to be able to undertake this work later this year.
I understand that there are currently 7 workers employed on site, across business development, finance and engineering functions, with an expectation to grow employment as the business builds.
My Department’s Agency, Enterprise Ireland, continues to build their relationship with the company and are actively supporting them to look at wider business opportunities across the nutritional powders market.