Knock SDZ development
Deputy Dillon urged progress on the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport Knock as a major enterprise opportunity. The Tánaiste outlined the designation's history, recent feasibility funding and the need to move quickly.
I again raise the issue of the long-awaited strategic development zone, SDZ, at Ireland West Airport Knock. It has real potential and will provide for a new business and economic hub with the potential to deliver future employment for more than 4,000 people. I note that the west regional enterprise plan includes an objective to advance the development of a regional enterprise and innovation ecosystem in the region, with action 5 of this objective referring to strengthening the enterprise strategy for the SDZ at Knock airport.
The designation presents a great opportunity for the west, the airport and County Mayo, but this project is limping on and needs an injection of funding by the Government to progress plans for the development.
Comment on this
I understand the designation was made in May 2017. Mayo County Council drafted a planning scheme for the SDZ, which it signed off in 2019. The board of IWAK has been engaging with key stakeholders on the matter, primarily on enterprise development. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment allocated €50,000 in 2022 for a feasibility study under the regional enterprise innovation scoping scheme for the development of the SDZ and, therefore, it would be desirable if work proceeded quickly on realising the potential of the zone, particularly regarding its proximity to the airport, which has been such a success story ever since it was established many decades ago. I will not go into that story.