Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10364/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Progress in relation to Shannon Development's E-Towns project is a day-to-day operational matter for the Company and is not a matter in which I have a direct role. I understand from Shannon Development that when the E-Towns concept was originally launched by them, five towns in the Shannon Region were identified as potential pilot locations for the project. Cappamore, Co. Limerick was selected in consultation with Limerick County Council, as the Co. Limerick pilot location.

At the core of the E-Towns concept is the development of a physical "Courtyard", a small-integrated complex of office and residential accommodation of up to15,000 sq.ft, targeted at established micro businesses in the traded services sector which may be interested in relocating from larger national and international urban centres. Shannon Development established a partnership process with the Cappamore Development Association and Limerick County Council and this process has delivered a range of Knowledge Supports associated with the E-Towns project in the town, including a new Town Plan and web based training for members of the community identified by the Development Association. In addition Shannon Development has worked with the Cappamore Community Development Association to deliver scalable broadband under the Group Broadband Scheme. Shannon Development in conjunction with the Cappamore Development Association and Limerick County Council has sought to identify a suitable site within the curtilage of the town. This search has been unsuccessful.