Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
92. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans of the IDA for the midlands region over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/21]
View answerIDA’s new strategy 2021-2024 ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth’ has been developed in the context of the Government’s National Economic Plan. This strategy positions IDA to respond to the emerging trends that are accelerating as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic. It identifies the opportunities for sustainable growth among IDA’s established base of clients through a focus on transformative investments to increase the productivity of Irish operations and their workforce through RD&I, digitisation, training and actions on sustainability. Crucially it also maintains a focus on attracting the next generation of leading MNCs to locate in Ireland, further driving sustainable growth and maximising the impact of FDI in Ireland to 2024 and beyond.
The new strategy will be delivered through a focus on five pillars: Growth, Transformation, Regions, Sustainability and Impact. These five interlinked pillars align with and are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
There are 44 IDA client companies in the Midlands region, employing 6,308 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 35%. The region has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors, with particular strengths in Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business Services, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. The Midlands includes the regional growth centre of Athlone. The existing FDI base of client companies in the region continues to perform well in terms of their operational sustainability, job retention and ongoing transformation.
The announcement that Athlone Institute of Technology is to form a consortium with Limerick Institute of Technology to develop a new technological university (TU) for the Midlands and Mid-West will further strengthen the potential of the region.
IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector in the Midlands to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies.
In the new strategy, IDA will build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and RD&I opportunities. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity and smart manufacturing.
IDA will deliver Advanced Building Solutions in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar over 2021-2024. In addition, IDA has partnered with Offaly County Council to secure planning permission for an Advanced Technology Building in Tullamore. IDA plans to acquire additional strategic sites in the region for development and will progress or commence upgrade works at IDA Parks in Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore.
IDA will target 25 investments for the Midlands region in the period 2021 to 2024.
