Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
165. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of e-visits or in-person visits the IDA made to County Kerry during 2021; the number of planned visits for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/22]
View answerIDA Ireland staff across the globe are conscious of the importance and impact of winning investments to locations such as Kerry and other regional locations. The Agency has been operating in a very challenging environment over the past 20 months with little or no international travel globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IDA has been operating virtually and hosting companies on virtual site visits with some successes during this time.
IDA Ireland is committed to winning opportunities for Kerry. Of the 400 investments targeted for outside of Dublin over the life of IDA Ireland's Strategy 2021-2024, the South West Region (Kerry and Cork) has the largest target of any region outside Dublin, with 118 investments.
IDA Ireland have publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Tralee to support winning a new office or industrial investment given the flexible nature of IDA building solutions. The site selection process is underway on this and while it will take time to secure planning permission and construct the building, it is a strong statement of continued commitment to Kerry to support the winning of new investments. It is intended that this building solution will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy 2021-2024.
In addition, there is a strong focus on supporting existing companies to minimise downsizings or closures. While some industry sectors are performing well, others have been impacted significantly because of the pandemic and/or a downturn on certain markets served by IDA client companies.
IDA continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business utilising virtual site visits as opposed to physically visiting the county. In 2021, IDA Ireland hosted one virtual site visit showcasing Kerry for a potential investment.
At the moment there are no planned visits for 2022. I am assured that IDA will return to hosting in person site visits in line with all public health guidelines and continue to position Kerry for these into 2022 and beyond.
