Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
384. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of industrial units and warehouses that are vacant in a town (details supplied) in County Offaly that are the responsibility of the Industrial Development Agency, Enterprise Ireland or Shannon Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57771/12]
View answerI am informed by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland that they do not own any industrial units or warehouses in Birr Co. Offaly.
Shannon Development own 6 Industrial Units in Birr, Co. Offaly, all of which are vacant.
As Ireland competes for high quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population, a pool of qualified talent, world standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services. Against this backdrop, IDA Ireland has informed me that it prioritises the marketing of Gateway locations within each Region as the areas of critical mass. In this region, IDA concentrates on the linked gateway of Athlone/Tullamore/ Mullingar. At present there are 44 IDA client companies employing over 5,000 people in the Midlands Region. IDA Ireland has formed strong relationships with these companies, working closely with them in order to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development, broadening of their mandate and continuing re-investment in their sites. With the improved infrastructure that is now in place, a project win in one Midlands location has a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations.
In 2012 Enterprise Ireland paid €1.3m to its client companies in Longford for job creation and retention and business development purposes. On 31 October last my colleague, Mr John Perry, T.D, Minister for Small Business, launched the new Enterprise Ireland €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund aimed at stimulating start-ups and creating jobs and growth in the Midlands Region (Counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath).
