Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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175. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits to County Kerry in quarters 1, 2 and 3 of 2021; if visits have taken place to date in quarter 4; the way the figures compare to 2019 and 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62892/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland is focused on winning investment for regional locations such as Kerry. The IDA Ireland Strategy 2021-2024 contains a target of 800 investments over the period, 400 of which will be outside Dublin. Each region has its own individual target over the strategy with the South West Region (Kerry and Cork) having a target of 118 investments.

IDA Ireland has been working in a very challenging environment over the past 16 months with reduced international travel globally as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. The Agency has been operating virtually and hosting companies on virtual site visits with some successes during this time.

IDA continues to engage with new companies to promote Ireland as a location for their business. To Q3, 2021, IDA Ireland hosted one virtual site visit showcasing Kerry for a potential investment, during 2020 one E-visit and in 2019 five site visits were facilitated. Site visit data is compiled quarterly and is submitted after the quarter figures have been verified.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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176. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position regarding the location of a company (details supplied) at the IDA advance facility in Tralee, County Kerry; if an updated timeline in relation to future activities and employment levels at the facility will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62893/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Central Pharma announced in December 2018 plans to establish an EMEA accredited contract packaging and supply centre at the IDA’s Advanced Technology Building in Tralee.

I understand that the company subsequently experienced some delays in progressing their plans, including in relation to the Covid-19 restrictions which delayed work on the site. I am told that regulatory approvals have now been received and the company expects to be ready to commence operations in Q1 2022.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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177. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further advance facilities will be considered in respect of the southern part of County Kerry in view of the relatively poor performance of the county in relation to foreign direct investment, recognising the very positive news of a second advance facility for Tralee that was recently announced by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62894/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland is committed to building a new Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. IDA is continuing to engage with stakeholders to seek a suitable site for this proposed building. Securing planning permission and the construction of the building will take time, but it is intended that the building facility will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy to 2024. The advanced technology building may support either a new office or industrial investment given the flexible nature of IDA building solutions. The are no plans at this time for additional advance buildings in Kerry beyond what is outlined in the Strategy.

The strategy also says that IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector in the South-West to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies. It says that additional upgrade works, and investment are planned for IDA Parks in the region to ensure a robust value proposition for clients, and IDA plans to acquire additional strategic sites for future development.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 27 July 2021, if interest has since been expressed by potential investors in relation to the site (details supplied); if so, the details of the inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62895/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There has been no update since the Deputy raised this question in July.

The property mentioned is not under the ownership of IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland. However, the IDA has included it in its suite of property marketing material for clients looking at this location. The IDA has not been made aware of any potential project for the facility. Enterprise Ireland will also continue to market this location as a potential site in the Kerry region.