Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will agree to a meeting with Fermoy Town Council, County Cork, with regard to the Industrial Development Authority site in the town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31556/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the creation and marketing of business parks, are day-to-day operational matters for the agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and not matters in which I have a function.

I understand from IDA Ireland that it has approximately six hectares available on the Fermoy Business and Technology Park. To date the Agency has undertaken a number of initiatives to develop and market the lands. IDA Ireland has carried out master planning of the park, landscaped the entrance area and submitted and received planning permission for an advanced technology unit. This pre-planning work could potentially encourage a prospective investor to the park. IDA also provides property solutions to Enterprise Ireland Clients, and in this connection the Agency has completed a land sale to an indigenous company. I understand, however, that the company in question has not yet proceeded with their plans to build on the park. IDA continues to promote the park via its overseas offices and in response to queries from prospective investors. I understand that at present IDA is engaged with a prospective investor who has visited the park and has expressed interest in acquiring a site on the park. I hope that this and other proposals can lead to employment gains in Fermoy. A meeting can be arranged at the appropriate time. To date there has been no request from the Council.