Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on progress in the construction of the advance factory in Tipperary town and on actions taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to secure a suitable tenant-employer for the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland, including its regions and areas. I am informed by the agency that an advance technology building of 16,000 sq. ft. with 100% expansion capability is under construction on the business park at Knockenrawley. Construction is expected to be completed in the next few months. This building is being financed and developed by a local development group under the business expansion scheme to an agreed IDA Ireland design.

IDA Ireland also informs me that it is already actively marketing both the park and the advance technology building through its network of overseas offices and will be in a stronger position to market the park when the construction work is completed.

South Tipperary has a good base of foreign direct investment in the region and employment in these companies rose from 1,652 people in 2000 to 2,028 people in 2003. IDA Ireland continues to work with existing clients in the county to encourage further expansion and a move to higher-value activities.

I understand that the South Tipperary County Development Board's ten year economic plan, 2002-2012, identifies Clonmel as the growth centre for south Tipperary due to its potential in providing the critical mass needed to attract new investment. Although IDA Ireland, as a member of that board, has endorsed this strategy, it will also continue to market actively the new advance technology building in Tipperary town.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Tipperary town.