Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his commitment to this project. He is working hard on it. I appreciate that there are commercial sensitivities involved. Discussions are at an advanced stage in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new facility. Will the Minister, as he has to date, to take a personal interest in it. This is a key project for Longford town. It is critical for the future development of the town.

We have seen the success that Abbott, Avery Dennison and Technimark have brought to the town. They have transformed the Ballinalee Road of Longford town. Certainly, the acquisition of a further IDA Ireland site and the development of that site as an advance building solution would be a significant step forward for Longford town.

I ask the Minister to redouble his efforts and re-engage with IDA Ireland. It is commercially sensitive but I understand discussions are at an advanced stage. I appeal to the Minister to redouble efforts and try and get this over the line before the end of the lifetime of this Dáil.

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