Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
315 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the reconfiguration of Shannon Development and these reforms which would see the agency take on the development of Shannon Airport and effectively replacing the existing development remit in Tralee, County Kerry, with both the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 8 May last I, along with Minister Varadkar, announced the Government's intention to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and to bring it together with Shannon Development to form a new entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership. The Government's decision represents a new beginning for the Shannon region, involving a drive to develop a world class aviation industry in Shannon and a restructuring of enterprise and tourism agencies in the region to support this goal.
From an enterprise perspective, Shannon Development's functions in relation to indigenous enterprise and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Shannon Free Zone will transfer to Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland respectively. The new entity will work closely with both these agencies to develop the potential of the aviation sector, as well as exploring other opportunities with them for further prospective investments in the region. It will continue to support the property needs of both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland clients in the region. To ensure a smooth transfer of enterprise functions, I have asked the Chief Executive Officers of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to prepare a plan for the delivery of enterprise supports in the region.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland currently have responsibility for promoting indigenous industry in, and attracting FDI investment to, the Tralee Technology Park. I can confirm that this will remain the position under the new arrangements.
In making the announcement, Minister Varadkar and I indicated our intention to establish a Steering Group to determine the most effective organisational structure of the new entity, develop an implementation strategy for the new body and a plan setting out how it will help to achieve strong regional development while ensuring the highest standard of support for enterprises in the Shannon region. We expect to make a further announcement in this regard shortly.
316 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any issues in relation to Shannon Airport or to the Shannon Free Zone or potential future investments in the Shannon area were discussed during the recent visit of Vice President Xi Jinping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25395/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraA presentation on all aspects of Shannon Development's regional economic remit, with particular emphasis on its activities at the Shannon Free Zone, was made to the Vice President of China, His Excellency, Mr. Xi Jingping, during his visit to Ireland last February.
In providing this briefing, Shannon Development's objective was to create the environment to enhance good relations between Irish and Chinese businesses.
The Deputy will be aware of the long standing connections between the People's Republic of China and Shannon Development which goes back over 30 years. Indeed Shannon Development and the Shannon Free Zone was the template that the Chinese officials used in developing their own special economic zones.
Shannon Development, through its tourism subsidiary, Shannon Heritage, facilitated the hosting of a medieval banquet by my colleague Deputy Eamon Gilmore, T.D, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Bunratty Castle on the evening of Saturday 18 February.
Whilst I understand there was no specific issues agreed between Shannon Development and the Chinese delegation on potential future investments in the Shannon Region, Shannon Development is hopeful that the presentation provided, together with the visit to Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, will contribute to Ireland winning future business investment and visitor numbers from China.
