Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the point the Deputy raised. I recall reviewing that site and agree that there is great potential there to create jobs. The Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Rural and Community Development are very keen to develop working spaces, sites, office space and factory space for those who want to create jobs. We are determined to have a jobs-led recovery as we come out of Covid. We can achieve that but it means that we have to support those who are involved in creating jobs and part of that involves property solutions.

The funding that is available through the regional enterprise plans, through both Departments and various development agencies, in conjunction with local authorities, can help to achieve this. Mechanisms are available to find the funds that are needed to develop sites. I recognise that in some counties local authorities do not have the rates base to support ongoing investment in the delivery of sites. However, the town centre first approach is relevant and other incentives are available. There are mechanisms there to achieve this and we have to try to join up the dots. I am determined to work with the Deputy and the local authorities in Cavan and Monaghan to achieve that. I am also conscious that in some parts of the country, commercial property is expensive to develop and without the intervention of the State through these schemes, it might not be possible to create the space needed to create jobs. We will continue to work with the Deputy on that.

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