Candidate criticises IDA over business park – but it’s Limerick Council that owns it

FINE Gael election candidate Olivia O’Sullivan has criticised the IDA for “ignoring” the development of an industrial estate on the northside, even though the agency doesn’t have responsibility for it.

The job creation agency hit back at the accusation of neglect, saying it doesn’t actually own the site in Clondrinagh, which is in fact controlled by Limerick City and County Council.

In a statement issued to the Limerick Leader, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Over the years, we have seen the IDA encourage the development of both Raheen Industrial Estate and Castletroy Industrial Estate [the National Technology Park] while at the same time totally ignoring any proper industrial development on the northside.”

Ms O'Sullivan says the industrial estate at Clondrinagh has been left to deteriorate down through the years, leaving the handful of businesses left there having to try and maintain it the best they can.

One of three Fine Gael candidates north of the river Shannon, Ms O'Sullivan said it’s not too late to do anything and “hopefully those in power with the responsibility for promoting investment in industry in future will look north in future”.

An IDA spokesperson said: “Please note the Clondrinagh Industrial Estate is not owned by IDA Ireland, it’s owned by the council and therefore the upkeep of the estate is the responsibility of the local authority.”