asked the Minister for Industry and Energy (a) the progress on providing an industry in the advance factory at Dublin Road, Loughrea, County Galway; and (b) the progress on providing a replacement industry in the factory of the Westphalia Carpet Yarn Spinning Company at Athenry road, Loughrea, County Galway.

: I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are actively promoting their 27,500 sq. ft. advance factory at Loughrea for a suitable industrial project.

In addition the IDA are working in close co-operation with the liquidator of Westphalia Carpet Yarn Spinning Co. Ltd. to secure a takeover of the project. Details of the plant have been circulated to possible purchasers through the IDA's overseas offices but no definite proposals have emerged as yet.

12.

asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the plans the IDA have for an industry to be established in the vacant advance factory in Portumna, County Galway.

: I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting a 6,500 sq. ft. advance factory provided in Portumna, County Galway under a private finance arrangement. In addition the IDA are promoting their six acre site in the town for industrial development.

13.

asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the plans the IDA have for a replacement industry for the former Butte-Knit factory in Ballygar, County Galway; and the present progress in the plans.

: I regret to say that earlier negotiations for the establishment of a replacement industry in this factory did not prove successful. However, the Industrial Development Authority are continuing to promote this factory for industrial purposes.