Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

A further 67 staff, in addition to the 40 staff expected to be in place by the end of the year, have expressed an interest of re-locating to Birr. This is made up of 23 existing staff and 44 new entrants recruited on the basis of relocation.

On the planning application, I do not know the timeframe within which it will be lodged though it is due to happen in due course. FÁS is currently preparing the design and so on before submitting the planning application. Obviously, this will take some time to complete. I do not know the cost involved but I am sure that information can be secured from FÁS.

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