Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans in progress for the land bank at both Tarbert and Ballylongford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The management of Shannon Development's land bank between Tarbert and Ballylongford is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and is not a matter in which I have any function.

I understand that Shannon Development has entered into an 'option to purchase' agreement with a private company for the development of a liquefied natural gas, LNG, receiving terminal on 281 acres of the land bank. Subject to favourable feasibility studies, technical assessments and in due course, planning and other approvals, it could become the site for a major €400 million LNG import terminal. An application for planning permission is likely to be made in the second quarter of 2007.

On 23rd November 2006 Shannon Development went to the marketplace seeking expressions of interest from further potential projects at the Tarbert-Ballylongford land bank. This process yielded a number of potential projects which are currently being assessed by Shannon Development.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 212: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to open a small business park in Tarbert similar to those in Shanagolden, Listowel, and Tralee, that would encourage small business and employment to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Responsibility for the location of business parks in the Shannon Region is an operational matter for Shannon Development and not one in which I have any function.

Shannon Development has informed me they do not have any current plans to provide a Business Park in Tarbert. However, Shannon Development has identified Tarbert as the County Kerry location for its E-Towns Live/Work programme. In the same way that the Shannon Development Knowledge Network has assisted Knowledge based enterprise in the larger urban centres in the region, the Shannon Development E-Towns initiative is aimed at assisting knowledge based enterprise in the smaller towns in the region.

The E-Towns project incorporates physical development, as well as facilitating town planning, broadband access, and training to help create an alternative enterprise culture in each community.

The primary aim of this initiative is to enable people to achieve a Live/Work balance in tailor-made accommodation, create clusters of businesses and bring new economic activity back into local communities.

Shannon Development has taken an option on a site in Tarbert and an application for Planning Permission has been submitted. Assuming a positive outcome, Shannon Development hopes to have contractors on site before year end. The proposed development will consist of six live/work units. A seminar will be held later in the year, to outline the key elements of the project.