Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland still plans to provide a new advance manufacturing facility at Kerry Technology Park, as distinct from the development (details supplied) which was not part of the IDA capital plans; if not, what has changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45992/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Under its current strategy, ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024’, IDA is committed to progressing the delivery of 19 Advance Building Solutions across six regions in 15 locations. Eight buildings are now complete, a further 4 buildings are on site with the remainder in the planning, procurement or site selection stages.

As the Deputy is aware, Kerry Technology Park already is home to internationally recognised companies such as JRI America and Astellas, who, in September 2023, announced its intention to build a €330 million state-of-the-art facility in the park. In the context of this significant development at the Kerry site, IDA has now identified a suitable site within the Kerry Technology Park to accommodate an Advance Building Solution. I am advised that the IDA is working through a design process to secure planning permission at this location and is working to progress the project as expeditiously as possible. A planning application is due to be lodged in the coming months and the planning permit will have the potential to support not only future foreign direct investment but also indigenous industry across a number of sectors. In addition, the IDA has made considerable property investments in Kerry under its current strategy, including the acquisition of over 16 hectares of lands at Kerry Technology Park.

IDA Ireland continues to maintain a focus on its property portfolio in regional locations to support its project pipeline, including in Kerry, and will continue to position Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies in 2024 and beyond.