Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. In November 2015, Roche Holding announced it would close the facility in Clarecastle, following a review of its worldwide manufacturing network for small molecules. Since then, IDA Ireland has been actively promoting the site to existing clients and potential investors. As the Deputy knows, the IDA engages regularly with key stakeholders on the ground across County Clare, including local authorities, public bodies, the education sector and companies from its client base. The July stimulus package, the mid-west regional enterprise plan and the IDA's new strategy will be major policy responses to drive further investment and job creation in County Clare and the mid-west.

The decision to cease production in Clarecastle was a direct result of the underutilisation in Roche's worldwide manufacturing network for small molecules. The Clarecastle site was incompatible with that reality as it focused on large-volume production. It is a site that should be of interest to a new investor at some point. I was not far away from it when I visited the county with Deputy Carey not long ago. The Government is determined to find a new operator for the site and put it to good use again.

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