Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department specifically has engaged with Clare County Council with the view to having a new strategic development zone in the Gillogue townland of Clonlara, County Clare in proximity to the University of Limerick campus. [6712/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am not aware of any formal communication from Clare County Council to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment concerning this issue.

Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) – “Designation of sites for strategic development zones” - provides for the designation by government of a particular site or sites for the establishment of a strategic development zone, on foot of a proposal by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This designation may be done to facilitate development which is, in the opinion of the Government, of economic or social importance to the State.

I'm informed that following a resolution by Clare County Council, the Council has, in partnership with the University of Limerick, formally sought the designation and expansion of lands on the north campus of the University as an Economic Strategic Development Zone. This proposal is currently under consideration by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.