I am informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the development the Deputy refers to includes minimal external Class 21 works which have been clarified as exempt from planning permission and also Class 41 exempted works which were required to comply with appropriate fire safety certificate requirements. As part of the development works, the facilities will achieve the appropriate standard as required by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in addition to all standards associated with Good Manufacturing Processes (G.M.P).
The development, I am informed, does not constitute a change of use of the building as it will remain as light industrial. In order to allow the company to conduct research and development work in Eastát Tionscail na Tulaigh, the internal refurbishment of an existing property to include the design and construction of a new cell and gene therapy facility, including clean room facilities for Hi-Tech Health Laboratories, was tendered for in 2021, following which construction got underway in recent months.
I am informed that the project expenditure to date is €1.9m and that the property will remain in the ownership of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
It is expected that the project will provide significant high quality employment in the South Connemara area.
As the Deputy will be aware, the continued redevelopment and refurbishment of the Údarás na Gaeltachta property portfolio remains critical to the sustainability of the Gaeltacht as a vibrant region in which to live and work.
