Written answers

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Departmental Lands

5:00 pm

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Industrial Development Authority has obtained a purchaser for lands within their remit (details supplied), if not, if the IDA will continue to lease the lands to a local voluntary body in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13954/08]

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the decisions have been made regarding the sale of the Industrial Development Authority lands (details supplied) in County Kildare; if not, if the IDA will consider the leasing of the stated lands to a voluntary body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13956/08]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement.

However, IDA Ireland informs me that the Agency holds c. 2.27 hectares of lands at Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. IDA was leasing a portion of these lands (c. 0.62 hectares) to the Monasterevin GAA Club. IDA duly informed the Monasterevin GAA club in November 2007 that they would be ceasing the leasing arrangement with the Club from January 2008. IDA also informs me that the Agency holds c. 1.5 hectares of lands at Castledermot, Co. Kildare.

In line with IDA strategy, the land holdings in both of these locations are currently under review to determine the most appropriate future development options and opportunities for their use. It is expected that this review will be concluded over the coming months. Consideration of any lease arrangements can only be conducted in light of, and subsequent to, this review.

IDA Ireland Strategy for County Kildare is to progress the development of a knowledge economy in order that the County can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. The Agency seeks to encourage increased cooperation between foreign direct investment companies and the third level institutions in the County e.g. University College Maynooth. The Agency also seeks to work with the existing client base in the County and to expand their activities. IDA also works with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the County.

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