Vol. 571 No. 4
186 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the IDA refused to consent to a new courthouse being provided at a site (details supplied) in Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22151/03]
IDA Ireland has statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The management of the IDA Ireland property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the agency, and not one in which I have a direct function.
While the provision of court facilities is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform, I understand that IDA Ireland was approached by the owners of the lease on the former Tellabs building in Drogheda for its views on whether it could consent to a change of use in relation to a portion of the building, approximately 10,000 sq. ft. for the purpose of a District Court. The IDA's consent is required for a change of use under the terms of the 999 year lease under which the building is held.
The former Tellabs building in Drogheda is currently being marketed by IDA Ireland as part of its efforts to attract new overseas investments and jobs for the people of Drogheda and has been shown to 20 potential clients over the past two years. The agency's view is that the nature of the activities of a court would impact negatively on its ability to market the remainder of the building and that, as such, it would not be an appropriate use. IDA Ireland is continuing to market the building with the full support of the owners of the lease and two companies have expressed an interest in the building.
