Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
358. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on efforts by his Department, in conjunction with Clare County Council, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Clare County Council to secure new enterprise for the former Roche site in Clarecastle, County Clare. [15606/25]
View answerIDA Ireland has been working closely with Roche, since their decision to close the Clarecastle facility in 2015. IDA Ireland had actively marketed the site through its extensive overseas network to both existing and new investors as a going concern which unfortunately yielded no offers.
Roche has commenced remediation works at the site which represents a significant investment in preparing the site for the future but that will take a number of years to complete. As part of this, the company is developing digital promotional material on the plans for the site which can be shared with potential investors.
The Roche site is identified as a key strategic site in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy. In July 2023 Roche held an event, attended by stakeholders including the IDA, where the company presented a letter to Clare County Council offering the Council the benefit of a right of first refusal in respect of the site, when remediation works are complete.
I am advised that IDA is continually engaging with Roche Senior Executives on the progress of the remediation and decommissioning of the site. The most recent engagement was the week of the 17th of February 2025 with Clare County Council and Roche in Basel, Switzerland. Likewise, Enterprise Ireland continue to be updated by Clare County Council on the progression of the remediation project and when the site will be available for future investment. I am further advised that the most recent Ennis 2040 meeting took place with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA on 14 March along with a tour of the current site.
IDA and Enterprise Ireland are working closely with Clare County Council to identify potential investment opportunities for the site. Also, notwithstanding that the site is not in their ownership, IDA Ireland continues to proactively market the site through its extensive overseas network to both existing and new investors.
