Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans of a company (details supplied) for regenerating its derelict units in the industrial estate at the Shannon free zone in order to attract new industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6015/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for the maintenance and development of the Shannon Free Zone lies with Shannon Development. The company also has responsibility for the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment and indigenous industry into the Zone. It provides buildings, land, information, and investment incentives to companies relocating to or investing in the Zone.

The regeneration of the Zone is one of a number of key projects in Shannon Development's 3 year Corporate Plan, drawn up at my request, to give effect to Shannon Development's new mandate which I announced in July 2005.

Shannon Development recently advertised for Expressions of Interest for the preparation of a comprehensive Master Plan for Shannon Free Zone. The Master Plan will provide the basis for the regeneration of the Zone and for its further enhancement as one of Ireland's premier locations for modern internationally traded manufacturing services. The Master Plan will provide a structured framework for the regeneration and redevelopment of the Zone.

In addition, Shannon Development has an ongoing programme of upgrading works on the Shannon Free Zone to create industrial space relevant to the needs of FDI projects considering Ireland as a location for new enterprise or for the expansion of existing operations. Furthermore, part of the property portfolio in the Shannon Free Zone has been identified for regeneration and this work will be undertaken as part of the master plan currently underway.