4. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-sponsored client visits to the IDA land at Ballingarrane, Clonmel in 2023 and 2024; the steps the IDA will take to find an enterprise for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/25]

Sentiment score: 0.03

This question relates to the IDA-owned site at Ballingarrane in Clonmel. Will the Minister outline the number of IDA-sponsored client visits to that site at Clonmel in 2023 and 2024? What steps will the IDA take to find an enterprise for the site?

Sentiment score: 0.03

Ballingarrane estate was purchased in 2001 by South Tipperary County Council, in what was a far-seeing decision, to provide a vital piece of infrastructure for industrial development, not just for Clonmel and south Tipperary, but also for the surrounding areas of west Waterford, east Limerick and west Kilkenny. It comprises 270 acres, 50 acres of which are owned by the IDA, as the Minister said. There is already a successful development on the site. Questum is an enterprise acceleration unit operated by the Technological University of the Shannon. That has been very successful in employing approximately 200 people in 15 different enterprises. It is vital that a significant anchor industry be secured for the site. I am aware of the plans and the planning application for an advanced factory solution. I also understand, as the Minister said, that the IDA is marketing the site by way of a promotional video, but 25 years is far too long to wait for an anchor tenant for a site that is vital for essential future industrial development in Clonmel and its surrounding areas.

Sentiment score: 0.37

I remind the Minister that south Tipperary is not in the mid-west region. The IDA must ramp up its marketing of the Ballingarrane site. I am not satisfied that it has done enough. It must do more. I ask the Minister to intervene with the IDA to ramp up that marketing. There are some very successful industries in the area, including flagship industries, such as Abbott Vascular and Boston Scientific in Clonmel town and MSD in nearby Ballydine. The success of these industries should assist the IDA in securing an industry for the Ballingarrane site. As I said, this site is vitally important for the future industrial and social development of Clonmel and all the surrounding areas, including west Waterford, east Limerick and east Kilkenny. The sooner an anchor tenant is got for that site, the better.

Sentiment score: 0.22