Written answers

Thursday, 18 October 2012

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Industrial Development

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he will introduce legislation on the changes in responsibility for Shannon Development and the way it is expected that the change will affect the promotion and use of lands in County Limerick that are currently in the ownership of Shannon Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45519/12]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided, in principle last May, to separate Shannon Airport from the DAA and bring it together with a restructured Shannon Development to create a new Shannon entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership. As a consequence of this decision the Government appointed a Steering Group and two task forces to examine the various issues involved. The Steering Group and task forces are due to report back to Government before year end and their work will also include recommendations as to the future ownership of assets owned by Shannon Development. As part of the overall process discussions are currently on-going with Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland regarding the most appropriate use of lands which currently fall under the ownership of Shannon Development. Shannon Development currently has a range of property in County Limerick, the largest of which are National Technology Park, Raheen Business Park and Askeaton land bank. The company also has smaller business parks in Newcastle West, Kilmallock, Askeaton and Abbeyfeale.

The Deputy will also be aware that I recently announced a legislative change which will shortly remove the restriction on IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in providing their services in the Shannon Free Zone. The requirement for further legislative change in relation to the promotion of Shannon Development’s lands in Limerick, and if any such change is required, will become clearer once the Steering Group and task forces have completed their work and report back to Government.

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