Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is 40% of a much reduced number. Since 1998, the number of properties has been reduced from 523 to 164, which is a drop of 69%. The IDA has had a progressive and dramatic divesting of properties. That said, that any property would lie vacant for more than five years is not satisfactory. I remember on the previous occasion we discussed this I made the point about a location in Carlow which was idle for three years prior to the arrival there of Merck, Sharp and Dohme. We must have patience in respect of quality parks. However, I acknowledge some of these are not in this vein.

Generally speaking, the policy is to have strategic land sites, such as Athenry and Oranmore. In the south east and north east, the IDA is developing land sites that facilitate the type of strategic industries it is seeking and has sold off a whole range of small plots and units. The money earned from the sale of these small plots and units was used to fund the strategic sites initiative.

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