Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
347. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on plans that have been put in place for lands in County Limerick which are owned by Shannon Development; the expected legal position of those lands into the future; the safeguards and protective measures he envisages to ensure that the lands are put to the best possible use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8147/14]
View answerShannon Development is in the process of transferring land at a number of specific locations in the Limerick Region to IDA Ireland for Industrial Development purposes. The remaining land and property portfolio of Shannon Development will remain in the ownership of Shannon Development and continue to be managed by Shannon Development on the same basis as previously.
The wider land and property assets of Shannon Development will be used as a development and promotional tool and, within Shannon Group, there can now be a greater focus on maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of the property management function. Shannon Group will seek to maximise the use of all of Shannon Development’s portfolio of land, industrial and building infrastructure and the network of business parks.
By combining a strong independent Shannon Airport with the extensive property holdings, experience and expertise of Shannon Development we will create a strong new State company which will work with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland on developing an International Aviation Services Centre in the region. I am convinced that with strong implementation we can create a world-class cluster in this region and help create the growth and jobs to drive the economy of the Shannon-Limerick area.
The Government also decided as part of the restructuring of Shannon Development to rationalise the tourism and enterprise support agencies in the region. Shannon Development's tourism support functions have been transferred to Fáilte Ireland and its enterprise support functions have transferred to the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. These initiatives will serve to eliminate the historical duplication of resources and to deliver a better service to the region.
