Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the stage at which the Chinatown development, which secured planning permission for first phase development at Athlone, County Westmeath, stands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of this potential business proposition, as is IDA Ireland although the agency is not directly involved with it.

Any funding arrangements and potential future funding is a matter for the promoters i.e. the Chinese/Irish consortium.

IDA Ireland has confirmed to me that it has had regular meetings with the Irish promoters but has not received any grant application or proposals to date.

IDA Ireland has issued a broad letter of support to Athlone Business Park Limited despite the project not being a direct fit with IDA Ireland's core business. As set out in that letter, IDA Ireland would assist the company where possible by way of direction in the marketplace and support locally, should they require it.