Deputy Noel Coonan has welcomed the news that Analog Devices Inc, a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications and the world leader in data conversion technology, has today announced that it will embark on a 50 million euro R&D investment programme at its campus in Raheen, Co. Limerick. The local Fine Gael TD said this investment is “good news for the Mid West and will hopefully benefit the people of North Tipperary with 100 jobs being created over five years.”

The local Fine Gael TD said the investment programme focuses on the expansion of ADI’s robust R&D capabilities in Limerick and is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Over the next five years, the programme is expected to result in the creation of approximately 100 high-skilled jobs, such as positions in integrated circuit design and applications engineering. “These are jobs that are badly needed and it is very positive to see the multinational invest further in the Mid West. It showcase the potential that resides there and it will also boost revenue to the area,” said Deputy Coonan.

A 140,000-square-foot R&D centre, including specialized laboratory space, will be constructed as part of this investment. Today’s announcement builds on the €23million investment in Ireland made by ADI in June 2010 as part of a manufacturing expansion programme.

ADI has been operating in Ireland for 35 years and currently employs over 1,000 people in Limerick, which is home to ADI’s European-based semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility and R&D for analog technologies, including industry-leading data converters, as well as mixed-signal and RF (radio frequency) integrated circuits.

ADI’s operation in Ireland has a well-established record for engineering innovation and discovery, as evidenced by the 287 U.S. patents granted to ADI inventors based in Ireland, which is nearly 20% of the total U.S. patents held by the company.

Deputy Noel Coonan received assurances at yesterday’s Joint Committee meeting that Bord na Móna will enter into full and comprehensive discussions with people living in the Lough Derg region on the event that they are chosen to implement plans by Dublin City Council to extract volumes of water from River Shannon and address dwindling water supplies in the capital.

The local Fine Gael TD, who is Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture, Transport and Gaeltacht Affairs, questioned Bord na Móna officials yesterday on the level of consultation with people living close to Lough Derg. In response, Deputy Coonan was assured that “Bord na Móna will enter into a full and comprehensive consultation period should they be chosen to do the job.”

Deputy Coonan commented that, at present, the project is focusing on Garryhinch and Dublin but what are the benefits for those living close to Lough Derg.

The local TD said: “There has to be something in this for North Tipperary and the Lough Derg area in general and that was recognised at the meeting where I noted that the proposal m ust be implemented on a partnership basis. The major infrastructural project, costing €450m, is only a proposal at this stage but has the potential to create 1,000 jobs alongside a number of long term tourism and recreation jobs in the midlands. I commented that whoever carries out the job, whether it is Bord na Móna, the NRA or Bord Gáis, they must give due recognition to the legitimate concerns, environmental or otherwise, of the public in North Tipperary.”

Under the plans, put forward by Dublin City Council, the reservoir would supply 350 million litres of water a day to the Dublin region and serve the capital’s drinking water needs for 70 years. The project would also create a water based eco-park with fishing, boating, cycling water and leisure sports in Garryhinch. It is envisaged that 1,000 construction jobs would be created alongside a number of long term tourism and recreation jobs in the midlands.

Deputy Noel Coonan has welcomed an initiative from the Office of Public Works that will see free entry to several County Tipperary OPW sites every Wednesday starting from today. Included are Roscrea Castle and Damer House, Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage and the Rock of Cashel.

The local Fine Gael Deputy said this incentive will help attract additional tourists to the County boosting revenue to the region and the positive step by the Fine Gael-led Government follows shortly after Queen Elizabeth and President Barack Obama’s successful visit to Tipperary.

“I strongly welcome this move by Minister of State Brian Hayes. It allows for OPW sites to be free to the public on the first Wednesday of every month. This will also stimulate interest in our local heritage and any incentive that attracts tourists is to be applauded,” said Deputy Coonan.

Deputy Noel Coonan has expressed deep disappointment at the Court Services Board’s decision to amalgamate the District Court areas of Roscrea and Borrisokane with the District Court area of Nenagh.

The local Fine Gael TD said that he has contacted the CEO of Court Services Board, Mr. Brendan Ryan, outlining his concerns that the Board failed to give due care and consideration to the people of Roscrea and Borrisokane who will have to travel a distance to Nenagh at a considerable expense in these tough economic times.

Mr Ryan invited Deputy Coonan to make a submission on behalf of Roscrea and Borrisokane communities which the TD duly did and this will be considered by the Board before implementing their decision to close both courthouses.

Deputy Coonan continued: “A lot of money was spent upgrading Roscrea Courthouse recently and we were given assurances last year that the future of the Courthouse was safe. Court officials have indicated to me that the Board, at its meeting on 22nd June, 2011 considered and approved a proposal to amalgamate the District Court areas of Roscrea and Borrisokane with the District Court area of Nenagh.

Deputy Coonan continued: “I understand that in consideration of this matter the Board took account of proximity of Borrisokane and Roscrea to Nenagh, the frequency of court sittings and the annual case count and the accommodation available in Nenagh

courthouse. There are currently no consultation rooms or cells in Roscrea or Borrisokane courthouses.”

The changes have been made as part of a review of all provincial court accommodation throughout the country. Deputy Coonan said the review took into account factors including ownership of existing building, number of staff (if any) at location, the number of sittings per annum including the number of jurisdictions using the facility and the caseload.

The local Fine Gael TD said no County or District is exempt from the process but he expressed concern to the CEO on behalf of all effected North Tipperary and South Offaly constituents that deserved consideration was not given to them.