Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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317. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has received a submission for funding from a group (details supplied) in County Westmeath, which is seeking to establish a national advanced manufacturing research centre; if he will ensure that it receives the necessary funding to enable it to proceed immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Under this year’s Action Plan for Jobs I have initiated the development of a business case for the possible establishment, governance and funding of an Advanced Manufacturing Centre which would enhance Ireland’s position on innovative and advanced manufacturing. This research work is being undertaken by a joint team involving IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland and is still a work in progress as there are significant strategic issues to be assessed. In the event of the business case being established that a national centre should be developed, and, crucially, funding being available for such a facility, the question of the location of such a centre would then be addressed and it is likely that an independent location consultation would be engaged to advise on this issue. I have not, at this stage, received any proposal from a group in Westmeath but in any event you will appreciate that deciding on the location of an Advanced Manufacturing Centre would be premature at this stage.