I have raised this matter on several occasions since my election to the House. It concerns the idle IDA site in Fermoy on the grounds of the former Fitzgerald Camp Army barracks. Although it is a serviced site close to the Cork-Dublin motorway, it has unfortunately remained without tenants for nearly 24 years since being handed over to the IDA. In addition, there have been no recent expressions of interest to operate on site.

This continues to be a major disappointment to the people of Fermoy and the Blackwater region, given the site appears to be perfectly suited for investment. I highlighted this fact with the Taoiseach as recently as January. He said he is familiar with the site and that he would talk to the IDA and seek clarity on its development potential. I, therefore, ask the Taoiseach whether there is any update from the IDA on possible proposals being considered. I thank the Taoiseach for the interest he has already taken in this matter.

I thank the Deputy again for raising this. On the last occasion, I said to him that sometimes we have to be patient but I accept that 24 years is a long time. Often, it depends. The IDA will bring people to various sites. Ultimately, it is up to companies to decide the location of any particular site. I will engage with the IDA to see whether it has any different plans for the site. It would be a big boost to Fermoy if we could attract a foreign direct investment, FDI, company to that particular site. It would make a significant difference to the economy of Fermoy. That is the balance. It could be used for something else, such as indigenous enterprise and so on, but that would cut off the prospect of FDI.