Written answers

Tuesday, 9 May 2006

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Industrial Development

9:00 pm

Photo of Martin FerrisMartin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the plans to develop the Tarbert-Ballylongford landbank, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16852/06]

Photo of Martin FerrisMartin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to plans by a company (details supplied) to develop a deepwater container transhipment terminal at Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16853/06]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

The site in question is part of Shannon Development's property portfolio, the management of which is an operational matter for the Company and not one in which I have a direct involvement.

I understand from Shannon Development that given its strategic location, adjacent to the deep waters of the Shannon Estuary, the agency recognises the unique significance of the 600-acre Tarbert/Ballylongford land bank as a desirable location in Western Europe for significant maritime-related businesses. In the past decade, the land bank has been actively promoted to relevant industry sectors, with appropriate supporting marketing material prepared and distributed. During 2004 and 2005, Shannon Development initiated a 'Call for expressions of interest' for projects for which the available deep water access is an attractive magnet for development at the site. In this respect, Shannon Development is actively working to convert inquiries into realistic project opportunities for the Tarbert/ Ballylongford land bank.

Shannon Foynes Port Company comes under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for the Communications, Marine and Natural resources, who, no doubt, will respond to any questions about the Company's activities. I understand from Shannon Development that among the activities suited to the Shannon Estuary is container transhipment. Shannon Development is aware of and supports the strategic plan of the Shannon-Foynes Port Company which includes a desire to develop a transhipment hub on the Shannon Estuary.

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