Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which planning permission was given for the 20,000 sq. ft. factory at Lisfannon, Fahan; the efforts which have been made to market that opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37071/05]

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the State agencies will purchase a premises for job creation in an area of unemployment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37072/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.

I understand from the Industrial Development Authority, IDA, that planning permission was granted on 5 April 2001 for a 20,000 sq. ft. factory at Lisfannon, Fahan, County Donegal. The planning permission and plans are available to any potential client who wishes to commence construction and to facilitate an early start up of a project.

However, since the planning permission was granted, a local developer approached IDA with plans to build a 12,000 sq. ft. factory and a 10,000 sq. ft. office in Lisfannon. The factory is now complete and the office is nearing completion. Both of these facilities are available for any new project considering the location for investment and are being prioritised by IDA for investment purposes, particularly as the premises are available for early occupation.

I am also advised that IDA Ireland does not intend to proceed with the 20,000 sq. ft. building until progress has been made in respect of the occupation of the facilities currently on the ground in Lisfannon. IDA Ireland has informed the owners of the Clubman factory that the agency will not be purchasing the facility given existing property availability. However, the IDA will include this facility, along with the newly developed office and factory facilities in Buncrana, in its promotional programme for overseas mobile investment.