Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for that update. This is a very positive development and I welcome it. I wish to emphasise that we have no shortage of space in Kerry for these type of facilities. Kerry Technology Park is full of sites that would be very suitable for a second facility.

Central Pharma will begin operations in the first quarter of next year. The likelihood is that this company would not have come to Tralee if it were not for the advance facility. I was delighted that the Minister of State, Deputy English, visited the technology park with me recently to see the available sites and how close it is to Munster Technological University, which could also be a beneficial location for potential investors. I would be grateful if the process could be speeded up as much as possible in order to get the planning permission application submitted.

On balanced development within the county, the Tánaiste knows that Killarney, to which he is a frequent visitor, is thriving in the context of tourism and hospitality. We need an industrial balance as well, however. Killarney would also be a suitable location for another facility for Kerry.

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