Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

Ballingarrane estate was purchased in 2001 by South Tipperary County Council, in what was a far-seeing decision, to provide a vital piece of infrastructure for industrial development, not just for Clonmel and south Tipperary, but also for the surrounding areas of west Waterford, east Limerick and west Kilkenny. It comprises 270 acres, 50 acres of which are owned by the IDA, as the Minister said. There is already a successful development on the site. Questum is an enterprise acceleration unit operated by the Technological University of the Shannon. That has been very successful in employing approximately 200 people in 15 different enterprises. It is vital that a significant anchor industry be secured for the site. I am aware of the plans and the planning application for an advanced factory solution. I also understand, as the Minister said, that the IDA is marketing the site by way of a promotional video, but 25 years is far too long to wait for an anchor tenant for a site that is vital for essential future industrial development in Clonmel and its surrounding areas.

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