John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland is working very hard to find an occupier.

This is a fantastic facility in a cluster that is recognised for life sciences. In south Tipperary alone, eight IDA client companies employ 3,500 people. It is important to emphasise that aspect. The fact that it is a fantastic cluster will enhance the opportunity to find an occupier for the facility as will the fact that 3,500 people are working in IDA companies in the region. This is about the promotion of the region which has a major regional advantage given the existence of the cluster. The IDA is actively bringing people to see the facility, with five of the six companies having visited it. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, is actively discussing the matter with the IDA every chance he gets. There is a great opportunity here. The Minister sits on the south east forum and employment in the region is very much a critical focus of Government. I am very confident about this facility given the emphasis of the Government on the south east, the location of the life science cluster and the fact that 3,500 people are already employed in eight IDA client companies in the region.

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