I wish to inform the Deputy that the Askeaton Business Park is owned by Shannon Development and is one of the main sites available for industrial development in County Limerick. The park continues to be marketed by Shannon Development in conjunction with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, as well as Limerick County Council. The recent work to improve the N69 road from Limerick to Foynes will assist in the ability to market the location, and Shannon Development has had discussions with the Shannon Foynes Port Authority about jointly promoting the business park for businesses that would primarily locate there due to the proximity to Foynes Port.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided, in principle last May, to separate Shannon Airport from the DAA and bring it together with a restructured Shannon Development to create a new Shannon entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership. As a consequence of this decision the Government appointed a Steering Group and two task forces to examine the various issues involved. As part of the overall process discussions are currently on-going with Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland regarding the most appropriate use of lands which currently fall under the ownership of Shannon Development. I am not aware of any feasibility study having been undertaken in relation to the business park.
