Munster Express Online

Deputy John Deasy received the following reply to a Dail question he tabled to Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan in relation to the number of factories in Waterford city and county on which the Industrial Development Authority have long term lease agreements, which are empty. The Fine Gael TD also asked what is the cost to the State of long-term lease agreements for these premises.

The Tánaiste said in a written response: “Under the Industrial Development Acts, the management of IDA Ireland’s industrial property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function.

“I am informed by the IDA that there are 6 units in the Waterford Industrial Estate on which the Agency has long term lease agreements, and which are currently available for use. A list of these units indicating their floor area is set out in the attached tabular statement.

“The amount due on the balance of the leases of these six properties is €1,459,642. However, it is anticipated that a number of these properties will be occupied or redeveloped during that period, which has the potential to reduce this liability.

“It is a critical part of IDA Ireland’s strategy that a portfolio of buildings be continuously available for its clients and those of Enterprise Ireland.”