Written answer
Departmental Policies
23. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions that are being undertaken by his Department and by agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to secure a future for the former Roche site at Clarecastle in County Clare. [66535/26]
Comment on this
IDA Ireland has worked closely with Roche since the company announced its decision to close the Clarecastle facility in 2015.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing the facility through its extensive overseas network to both existing and prospective investors. IDA Ireland continues to promote the site to potential investors, notwithstanding that the property is not owned by the Agency.
Roche is progressing a significant programme of remediation and decommissioning works to prepare the site for its future use. IDA Ireland continues to engage with senior Roche representatives regarding the progress of these works and the longer-term potential of the site. IDA Ireland also engages with Clare County Council and other relevant stakeholders in relation to the site.
The site is identified as a key strategic site in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Development, Property, and overseas teams will continue to consider the site in the context of relevant investment opportunities and to bring it to the attention of prospective investors where its location, future condition and infrastructure requirements align with a project’s needs.
IDA Ireland remains committed to working with Roche, Clare County Council, the Department, Enterprise Ireland and other relevant stakeholders to support the identification of an appropriate and sustainable future use for this strategically important site.