Cork IDA sites ‘lying idle’ and ‘growing grass’

A comprehensive plan is needed for two IDA-owned sites in Cork — one lying idle in Fermoy since 2002 and another in Kilbarry on Cork City’s northside that is “underutilised for years and growing grass”, according to two TDs.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, Kevin O’Keeffe criticised both the IDA and Enterprise Minister and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald for allowing the Fermoy site to remain empty. Ms Fitzgerald said in a parliamentary reply to Mr O’Keeffe that there were no current plans for the site.

Mr O’Keeffe said: “This site was built in 2002, and has been empty ever since. The IDA has supposedly been seeking to attract investment over that time, but it’s clearly not working.”