The IDA has been accused of not doing enough to secure an anchor tenant for a major site in Clonmel.
Local TD Seamus Healy tackled the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the Dáil on the need to utilise the land at Ballingarrane.
The 270 acre estate was purchased by Tipperary County Council in 2001 in what Deputy Healy describes as a far-seeing decision to provide a vital piece of infrastructure for industrial development.
50 acres of this is owned by the IDA with 200 people employed across 15 enterprises in the Questum Acceleration Centre which is operated by TUS.
However Seamus Healy says the site has much greater potential.
“It is vital Minister that a significant anchor industry be secured for the site. I’m aware of the plans and the planning application for an advance factory solution. And I understand also as you said that the IDA are marketing the site by way of a promotional video.
“But Minister 25 years is far too long waiting for an anchor tenant for a site that is vital for the essential future development and industrial development of Clonmel and the surrounding areas.”
Deputy Healy told Minister Peter Burke that the IDA should build on the success of other highly successful industries in the area.
“I’m not satisfied that they have done enough and I think they must do more. I would ask you to intervene. We have in the area some very successful flagship industries like Abbott Vascular and Boston Scientific in Clonmel town and MSD nearby in Ballydine and the success of these industries Minister should assist the IDA in securing an industry for the Ballingarrane site.”
