Mr. James Fitzgerald:

In relation to the academics, I am aware that there is some plastics expertise, both in Athlone Institute of Technology, IT, and in Galway. However, we have not linked up with them in relation to exploring a solution. What appears to happen when we speak about plastics is these institutions are working on other types of possibly more lucrative plastics or more interesting materials in their own way. We have not come across the right person in relation to that particular issue.

In relation to Bord na Móna, we did link up with it. We visited Littleton looking at the possibility that it might take a supply of farm plastics from us but its sheds were already full and it was having problems with its machinery. Its machinery was letting it down. It had a good process line and superb facilities - buildings, layout, etc. Much of the investment was already there. We discussed it with it and we had to wait. As a result of the mechanical issues in relation to it, we have had to go back to it because its facility is not able to cope with what is in front of it at the minute.