Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the information and bring us up to speed. I acknowledge that IDA Ireland has been quite helpful in the many projects in Tipperary. However, on the issue of empty factories in the county, there is an advance factory in Tipperary town which is top class, and two more sites available. In Cashel, Johnson & Johnson had a state-of-the-art facility which was closed almost two years ago. At that stage, we were given to believe that either an investor would be taking it over or Johnson & Johnson would reinvest in it. That has not happened and the facility lies idle. In Clonmel, as the Minister of State correctly states in his response, there is a 300 acre business park. That has been there for many years. I do not want to be negative about the county. Certainly, there are many good developments in it.

I emphasise that at a time when we are coming out of this mess and after yesterday's budget, there is no doubt there is light at the end of the tunnel. American firms will look at this country and we must be ready. The reason I raise this is to highlight how Tipperary is a great place in which to work and live because it is so accessible now. I would make one further point on the two administrative counties. The decision about the two administrative counties, Tipperary North and Tipperary South, has been taken by the Government and we are a long way down the road of the amalgamation process. Hence, Tipperary is in a far better position to market itself to market itself as a county with wonderful places and I want IDA Ireland and the Minister to acknowledge that.

I will press hard over the next few months and years to ensure there are jobs created for the highly educated young people who would otherwise be leaving our shores, and for those who have gone to Australia, America and Canada and would prefer to be here. I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to bring what I have said back to the Minister. I know he will do that. I want to see action at the highest level for my county.

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