It’s reported that a Hong Kong property tycoon considered a location in Kerry in which to build a new city.
The Times Ireland newspaper is reporting that six locations in Ireland were discussed by government officials as possible sites for a new autonomous city named Nextpolis.
The Times says the Department of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with an international charter city investment company since December, about a plan to create a city from scratch that would be home to thousands of Hong Kong residents.
Six locations in Ireland were marked, including an area between Tralee and Killarney.
It’s reported a Hong Kong property tycoon has been searching for potential sites for a new international charter city, due to the rising political uncertainty between Hong Kong and Beijing.
The article, written by Ben Haugh, says in an interview last month with a New York publication, the tycoon claimed discussions were ongoing with “Ireland and two other countries”.
Through the FOI Act, information was released to the paper which shows correspondence between the property tycoon and an official in the Department of Foreign Affairs, which shows intentions to invite “relevant institutions, agencies, major corporations and/or brilliant talents and experts from Ireland” to get involved with the “Sim City” project.
It states the city would have an initial population of between 50,000 but would grow to 500,000 over 20 years, with at least 50 per cent made of people from Hong Kong, and 15-30 per cent from Ireland and Europe.
In a statement yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “Following an initial approach in December 2019, the department had limited contact with the individuals involved to provide helpful and realistic guidance about Ireland. Since providing this guidance there has been no further action taken by the department in this matter.”
