I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
For reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, IDA Ireland does not divulge the specific details of its marketing efforts in relation to any individual property other than to say that the property is being actively marketed by the Agency. Details of negotiations which the Agency may be engaged in or details relating to any prospective client are not released until such discussions have been successfully concluded and, even then, if the company involved does not wish for publicity then there is no publicity. Regarding the 25,000 sq. ft. building in Ballinasloe, which I mentioned in my response to Question Number 246 on 3 March, IDA Ireland has informed me that again for reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity it is precluded from giving any further information relating to the facility other than to say that is a high quality technology building, which would be suitable to facilitate potential projects from overseas investors should they require a property of this size and/or a facility Ballinasloe.
Competition for inward investment has never been as intense as it is today. IDA Ireland and its clients are very concerned lest information relating to a prospective investment gets into the public domain in advance of the conclusion of discussions with the Agency. Such premature disclosure could jeopardise negotiations on a project and could lead to the loss of a project even at an advanced stage in discussions. As the Deputy is aware not every investment won by IDA Ireland is publicly announced and many investments go ahead without being announced publicly. For example during 2014 IDA Ireland won a total of 197 new investments but there were only 66 investment announcements.
In the circumstances, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter.
