Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Tarbert, Ballylongford, Ballybunion part of north Kerry will be designated a special targeted area for investment under the new brief which he proposes for Shannon Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37935/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in response to previous parliamentary questions, on 28 July last, following detailed consultations with the board of Shannon Development, other stakeholders and regional interests, I announced a decision on a future mandate for the company. This new mandate envisages an active, focused role for the company, complementary to that of national agencies in line with Government policy on regional development. It is also broadly in line with the company's future strategy proposals submitted to me in March 2005. In approving the new mandate, I asked the company to give priority to activities that would address the needs of the less developed parts of the Shannon region. I have asked the company to prepare a three year corporate plan for the period 2006-2008 which would reflect the substance of the new mandate.

In so far as the needs of the less developed parts of the region are concerned, I have not formally designated any specific areas. I would, however, expect the corporate plan being prepared by Shannon Development to pay particular attention to this requirement of the mandate and, in this respect, to have regard to the needs of less developed areas as already identified through the regional planning guidelines process.