Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of contacts his Department has had with IDA Ireland during 2007 in relation to the development of a technological park in Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will meet IDA officials to discuss the ongoing delay in securing proper title to the site. [22650/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. Under the Industrial Development Acts establishing the Agency the Minister of the day may give policy directions to the Agency but is specifically precluded from giving directions to the Agency regarding specific undertakings or from giving preference to one area of the Country over any other.

I understand, however, that progress regarding the acquisition of the 27 acre site on the Sligo Road was delayed due to lengthy legal proceedings over which the Agency had no control. These proceedings are near finalisation and the Agency is in continuing discussion with the Council with a view to an early resolution of the matter.