John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The achievement of balanced regional development continues to be a core objective of this Government. The enterprise agencies under the remit of my Department, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Kerry County Enterprise Board work continuously to encourage the establishment and the development of industry in the county. Between them the client companies of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Kerry County Enterprise Board employ almost 6,300 people in the county.

Following the announcement by Aetna to close its facility at Castleisland, IDA Ireland was successful in attracting JRI America Incorporated, to establish a software development operation in Tralee, which will create up to 100 highly skilled positions over the next number of years. Recruitment is already under way for a number of positions. The vacant Aetna building is the property of that company and it is the company's decision to put the building on the market. At the time of the announcement of the company closure, there were local reports that the building should be given over to the State or local development interests but no such decision was ever agreed to or proposed by the company.

As regards the Pretty Polly site, this building is not in the ownership of the IDA. The building itself was formerly a manufacturing facility which means that the opportunity to source a prospective tenant for this building may be limited in its current layout. Both the IDA and the CEO of Kerry CEB have had engagement with Killarney Town Council on the matter and both remain available to provide assistance regarding potential uses for the building.

See this speech in context