Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken to introduce industry and employment to Tipperary town. [23380/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the State agency charged with the attraction of foreign direct investment into Ireland.

On Tipperary town, IDA Ireland, in conjunction with South Tipperary County Council, is currently in the process of upgrading the business park at Knockenrawley. This includes a new access road to the site, extensive landscaping, services, utilities and public lighting. Additional works are also being undertaken external to the site on the main approach road.

An advance technology building of 16,000 sq. ft. with 100% expansion capability is currently under construction on the park. 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 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 works are completed.

IDA Ireland will focus on the growth sectors of international services, health care and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the information and communications sector is likely to have potential for the county in the medium to long term. IDA Ireland will continue to work with existing clients in the county to encourage further expansion and a move to higher value activities.

The emerging Tipperary Institute can play an important part in attracting new investment to the county by increasing the quantity and quality of students in the business and science related areas.