Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
211. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the most recent occasion on which the IDA visited County Carlow; the number of new jobs that have been created by the IDA in the past 12 months in County Carlow; the steps it is taking to attract companies to the county; when a new site visit is to be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20943/22]
View answerIDA markets Carlow as part of the South East region for FDI investment. There are 4 FDI companies in Carlow with a combined employment of 1,477. In 2021, 178 new jobs were created in Carlow.
In response to COVID related global travel restrictions, IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms during 2020 and 2021. As part of this, the Agency developed and put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. In 2021, there were four site visits to Carlow. 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 Carlow for these in the coming months and years.
IDA is building a new 34,000st ft. Advanced Building Solution in Carlow Town. The building is making good progress and is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022. This will further enable the Enterprise agencies to attract companies and to create opportunities to win additional investment for Carlow.
In 2022, IDA Ireland will continue to market Carlow and the South-East Region through its overseas offices to target mobile FDI opportunities, with corresponding site visits. IDA Ireland will be targeting Lifesciences, Medical Devices, Financial Services and Technology sectors for investment opportunities in RD&I, advanced manufacturing, global business services and technology development.
