120. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current status of the IDA-owned lands at Ballingarrane, south Tipperary; the extent to which IDA Ireland is actively marketing the site following the recent grant of planning permission for an advance building solution; the marketing strategy now in place, including international promotion, engagement with potential investors and inclusion of the site in IDA property offerings; if any expressions of interest have been received; the timeline for delivery of an advance facility on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/26]

Sentiment score: 0.30

Following the Minister's recent visit to south Tipperary, what is the current status of the IDA-owned lands at Ballingarrane in Clonmel? Can he confirm the extent to which IDA Ireland is actively marketing the site, state whether any expressions of interest have been received for the site and outline the timeline for the delivery of an advance building solution that was recently granted planning permission on the site?

Sentiment score: 0.41

I thank the Minister for his reply. In particular, I thank him for visiting south Tipperary in December, when he got an opportunity to see the strengths of south Tipperary and of our key towns, particularly Clonmel. He also got an opportunity to see our strengths in terms of our strong employment and the really strong presence of medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. All of this is backed up by a strong set of skills, proper infrastructure and, as I said, an established industrial base. As the Minister said, the recent granting of planning permission for a 100,000 sq. m advance building solution is an important step forward. The concern at local level is that IDA has owned over 50 acres at Ballingarrane for more than 20 years. There is a sense locally that it is now time for delivery, so any support the Minister can give us in that regard would be appreciated.

Sentiment score: 0.51

I agree with everything the Minister said. Crucially, balanced regional development must be reflected in outcomes on the ground. South Tipperary, Clonmel and all the other key towns offer everything the IDA is looking for, such as a proven industrial ecosystem that the Minister mentioned. A town like Clonmel has so much potential. The crucial step in this regard was securing planning permission, which was a critical barrier for inward investment. That should translate into momentum. I press upon the Minister to push this was the IDA. The authority needs to set clear milestones for delivering this project and delivering industry. I welcome any intervention by the Minister and I particularly welcome his comments about the Bulmers visitor centre, which has so much potential and is located in the heart of the town.

Sentiment score: 0.19