IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In the period from March 2006 to March 2007, IDA Ireland has hosted a total of 8 site visits by potential investors to Counties Laois and Offaly, 7 of which were to Portlaoise while 1 was to Tullamore. The visits to Portlaoise took place in May, July, September and October, 2006 and February, 2007 while the visit to Tullamore took place in March 2006.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), a key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. Counties Laois and Offaly form part of the IDA Midlands Region together with Counties, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. The locations of emphasis for IDA in this region are the NSS Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. The region will also benefit from the ongoing investment in transport, energy and utilities set out in the new National Development Plan.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing the Midlands Region through its network of overseas offices. In addition, the agency is working closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment. The agency is also working with FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.
IDA Ireland has invested a considerable amount in the physical infrastructure required to attract today's FDI to the Midlands. The agency has invested €3.2 m in the development of a flagship Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise and spent circa €3m in upgrading the IDA Srah Park in Tullamore to Business & Technology Park standard. In this latter Park, the construction of a 465 sq. mtr. Advance Technology Unit has been completed and is currently being actively marketed by IDA, while a 2,415 sq. mtr. Advance Technology Building will be constructed during 2007. Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate, including what sites to visit as potential locations are taken by the investor.