Written Answers Nos. 35-53
35. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions and engagements that his Department has taken to date to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in all buildings under his Department. [40909/22]
View answerMy Department is dedicated to contributing positively towards the critically important climate action agenda and has an active internal “Green Team” with over 30 staff spanning across the Department and its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission.
In terms of the internal day-to-day Departmental operations, it is through the Green Team, that the Department acts to promote and encourage climate action awareness to all staff under the four pillars of energy reduction, water conservation, waste management and ecology/biodiversity. In this regard my Department works closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) given their various responsibilities and expertise.
As part of the annual public sector energy efficiency reporting process, which is overseen by DECC and the SEAI, my Department and its Offices continues to perform very strongly and is ranked 2nd overall. The Department has delivered 63% energy efficiency savings since the baseline year of 2009 significantly ahead of the initial 33% target set. These efficiency reductions have been delivered through a host of initiatives which include:
- Collaboration with the Office of Public Works in the OptimisingPower@Work Programme and implementation of various power related initiatives across our built environment and ICT systems;
- Significant reduction in our real estate footfall by vacating a number of buildings provided to us via the OPW.
- Installation of LED lighting in Departmental headquarters at 23 Kildare Street in 2020/21.
- Adjustment and optimisation of water systems to deliver significant savings in water usage.
- Enhanced recycling and waste management processes which included the removal of individual waste bins and introduction of more green and brown bins.
- Participant in the Government’s “Bike to Work” scheme and, from 2022, participation in the "Smarter Travel Workplaces" programme which is run by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
My Department recognises the urgent need to continuously deliver more to the climate action response. We continue to work closely with the OPW who manage the civil service property portfolio on behalf of all Government Departments. We are a tenant in ten buildings provided to us by the OPW across the country. Currently the Department, with the OPW, is working to install approximately 50 solar panels on the roof of the 23 Kildare Street building and for anticipated completion by year end 2022.
We will continue to actively engage directly with, and receive advice from DECC, SEAI, OPW, NTA and others to explore what new initiatives, over and above those already implemented, could be feasibly initiated over the period ahead.
36. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the start date for the sick pay scheme; and the date on which it is proposed to increase cover from the current three days. [40973/22]
View answerThe Sick Leave Act 2022 was enacted on 20th July. The Act is intended to provide a level of protection to employees who do not currently have employer-paid sick pay schemes, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work. This is a progressive Act and will ensure that all employees are better protected and will have financial support from day one of a medically certified absence.
As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three waiting days before eligibility for Illness Benefit from the State.
I have been considering the detailed issues surrounding implementation of the statutory sick pay system, and will shortly decide on the exact date for introduction of this new benefit.
37. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits that have been made by the IDA to Wicklow over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41105/22]
View answer2021 was a record-breaking year for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment, with total employment in IDA client companies now standing at 275,384, up over 29,000 on 2020. Growth outside of Dublin was particularly buoyant with 53%, that is 133 projects of the 249 investments won going to regional locations and employment growth was recorded in every region of the country.
Wicklow, along with Louth, Meath and Kildare make up IDA’s Mid-East Region, which showed 5% growth on the previous year. There are now 103 IDA client companies directly employing 18,894 people in this region. The Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
IDA Ireland continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business utilising virtual site visits as well as physically visiting the county. Site visit details are recorded on a county basis, and I am advised that the verified figures for Q2 will be available next month. As a result of the severe restrictions on international travel over the last two years, the ability to host site visits was severely limited.
The numbers of site visits to County Wicklow from 2017 to Q1 2022 are set out in the table below:
|
2022 (Q1) |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
6 |
1 |
2 |
38. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received any gifts from visiting dignitaries; if he will provide a breakdown of the details of these gifts, their value, and the way they were disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41115/22]
View answerUnder Section 15 of the Ethics in Public Office Act (1995) gifts presented to office holders valued in excess of €650 are deemed to be gifts to the State and must be recorded accordingly following valuation through the Office of Public Works. I did not receive any gifts worth more than €650 from visiting dignitaries.
39. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received any gifts while travelling abroad; if he will provide a breakdown of the detail and value of these gifts and the way they were disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/22]
View answerUnder Section 15 of the Ethics in Public Office Act (1995) gifts presented to office holders valued in excess of €650 are deemed to be gifts to the State and must be recorded accordingly following valuation through the Office of Public Works. I did not receive any gifts worth more than €650 during any of my visits abroad.
40. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he or his Department have given any gifts to visiting dignitaries; if he will provide a breakdown of the detail and the value of these gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41151/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that I have not, nor has my Department, provided any gifts to any visiting dignitaries since my appointment to my current role.
41. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit met their obligations under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 in 2021, including the way that relevant policies and actions are monitored and the way that the obligation is reflected in their annual reports. [41367/22]
View answerPublic bodies’ statutory duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equality, and protect human rights of staff and service users is the responsibility of all Departments and other public bodies individually. My Department includes Offices such as the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court, the Registry of Friendly Societies and the Workplace Relations Commission.
Goal 6 of my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021 to 2023 sets out the Department’s ambition for a strong public service ethos driving effective and responsible policy implementation, including a commitment to ensuring our compliance with obligations under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. A dedicated team with representatives from each Division has been formed to progress the implementation of the Public Services Human Rights and Equality Duty.
Examples of my Department’s work in the area of Human Rights and Equality include the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the independent body which investigates or mediates complaints of discrimination.
My Department also ensures that employment rights are upheld and strengthened, and champions the principle of businesses operating responsibly. We lead on the Government’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda and support the business led voluntary CSR Stakeholder Forum. Diversity and Inclusion is a principal theme of the Forum’s work programme.
My Department is currently developing an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy in consultation with staff which will detail the actions required to advance the Department’s E,D&I objectives over the next three years. Earlier this year we commenced Inclusive leadership training for senior managers and this will be rolled out to all staff in the coming months.
In addition, my Department is represented on the Steering Groups for the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 and is progressing a range of actions under these strategies to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in the workforce.
42. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State boards under the remit of his Department or its agencies; the total number of members of each board; the numbers on each board broken down according to gender; and the number of persons with a declared disability on each board in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/22]
View answerPlease find hereunder the details that the Deputy has requested pursuant to PQ: 41385/22.
The Public Appointments Service, through StateBoards.ie is responsible for selecting and recommending for appointment, Chairpersons and Members (Non-Executive Directors), to the boards of State Agencies. This is done through an open and transparent process to identify eminently qualified candidates for the boards of State Agencies. The State Boards process operates under the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards 2014 (Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards). Section 5.5 of these Guidelines state that “candidates for State Boards should be drawn from the widest possible pool of applicants with these attributes. Consequently, the competitions are focussed on ensuring that the processes of identifying and assessing candidates recognises that the characteristics of effective board members are demonstrated and obtained from a breadth and depth of experience in all walks of life.”
Drawing from the National Disability Authority website there are a number of definitions of ‘disability’ as follows:
The Disability Act 2005 set out the following definition:“disability”, in relation to a person, means a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation in the State or to participate in social or cultural life in the State by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment The Equality Acts (Employment Equality Acts and the Equal Status Acts), which outlaw discrimination on grounds of disability, use a wider definition, and cover past as well as current disability:"Disability means:(a) the total or partial absence of a person’s bodily or mental functions, including the absence of a part of a person’s body;(b) the presence in the body of organisms causing, or likely to cause, chronic disease or illness;(c) the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of a person’s body;(d) a condition or malfunction which results in a person learning differently from a person without the condition or malfunction; or(e) a condition, disease or illness which affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or which results in disturbed behaviour." Census 2011, and other official surveys, used the following definition of disability:A person with one or more of the following long-lasting conditions or difficulties:- Blindness or a severe vision impairment- Deafness or a severe hearing impairment- An intellectual disability- A difficulty with learning, remembering or concentrating- A difficulty with basic physical activities- A psychological or emotional condition- A difficulty with pain, breathing, or any other chronic illness or condition
Given the broadness of the definitions as set out above one may conclude that it is likely some Board members may have disabilities. Board members are not obliged to disclose personal information regarding any disabilities they may have and in such circumstances Board Members who may have a disability may be members of Boards under the aegis of my Department, however as it is not mandated to make this known this information is not available.
Applications for State Boards appointments are encouraged from all members of the community.
|
State Board |
Total number of Members |
Number of Female Members |
Number of Male Members |
Number with a declared disability |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
Max No. of Members 13 Currently 11 with two vacancies |
6 |
5 |
Unknown |
|
IDA Ireland |
Max No. of Members 12 Currently 10 with two vacancies |
3 |
7 |
Unknown |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) |
Max No. of Members 11Currently 10 with one vacancy |
5 |
5 |
Unknown |
|
Workplace Relations Commission |
Max No. of Members 9 |
4 |
5 |
Unknown |
|
National Standards of Ireland (NSAI) |
Max No. of Members 13 Currently 11 with two vacancies |
5 |
6 |
Unknown |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
Max No. of Members 12 |
5 |
7 |
Unknown |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
Max No. of Members 9 |
4 |
5 |
Unknown |
|
Low Pay Commission |
Max No. of Members 9 |
4 |
5 |
Unknown |
|
InterTrade Ireland* |
Max No. of Members 9** |
2 |
7 |
Unknown |
*The Department of the Economy NI (DfE) is due to appoint new board members however this has been delayed.
** Ireland appoints 6 members (currently 2 female and 4 male). Northern Ireland appoints 3 members (currently 3 male).
43. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 26 of 19 May 2022, the timeline for the completion and publication of the second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41445/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Ireland's first National Plan on Business and Human Rights 2017-2020 was launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs towards the end of 2017. Ireland was the 19th country in the world to publish such a plan in response to the endorsement of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by the Human Rights Council in 2011.
The implementation of this whole-of-government plan was overseen by an implementation group comprised of representatives of Government, civil society and business. Both the plan itself and the programme for Government committed to a review of implementation. This review was undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs in consultation with stakeholders during 2021. A draft report was considered at the special session of the multi-stakeholder implementation group on 31 May 2021. This forum included participation by a member of the UN working group on business and human rights, a business and human rights expert from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and officials from three EU member state Ministries.
The Government noted the finalised review at its meeting on 3 December 2021. It is published on the Department of Foreign Affairs website: www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/ourrolepolicies/humanrights/Review-of-Implementation-of-National-Plan-on-Business-and-Human-Rights-2017-2020---for-website.docx.pdf
Discussions have commenced about how to bring a new plan forward but no date for the completion and publication of the new plan have been set yet. Officials in my Department will proactively engage with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide necessary input into a new plan.
44. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 19 May 2022, the status of the work to revise the Government statement on the role of data centres; when the revised statement will be published; the reason for the delay in publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/22]
View answerA review of the 'Government Statement on the role of Data Centres in Enterprise Strategy' is one of the actions for my Department under the Climate Action Plan 2021.
A working group was established to help draft the final document, which met in March and again in July. There has been ongoing and substantial engagement with many stakeholders including the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, EirGrid, ESB Networks, Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, as part of this work.
I intend to take a revised Statement to Government for approval very shortly which will be published thereafter on my Department's website.
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 18 May 2022, if he has received the reports by the Low Pay Commission and the ESRI on a universal basic income; the timeline for the publication of both reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/22]
View answerIn January 2021, I requested the Low Pay Commission to report on the Programme for Government commitment to “examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.” To inform its considerations, the Low Pay Commission asked the ESRI to conduct background technical research on a universal basic income under the terms of the Low Pay Commission – ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.
This research was to examine universal basic income pilots that have taken place in other jurisdictions to identify what was learned and what might be relevant to a pilot in Ireland. This study was also to identify which policy objectives a universal basic income could address as well as its associated risks and financial implications. This research was to conclude with recommendations on how a universal basic income pilot in Ireland might be designed and implemented.
The Low Pay Commission received the ESRI’s report on Universal Basic Income earlier this year. After reviewing the contents of that report, the Low Pay Commission submitted its Universal Basic Income Report to me in July 2022. I, along with my officials, will review the Commission’s report and recommendations over the coming weeks. I will be considering the next steps to take including the publication in due course of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report.
46. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the dividends paid by State-owned enterprises under the remit of his Department in each of the past five years; the projected dividends to be received in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41648/22]
View answerThere are no state owned enterprises under the remit of my Department that have paid dividends during the last five years. No dividends are projected to be received in 2022.
47. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if grant-aid is available to start-up businesses in the home insulation business given the demand for such services now and in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41729/22]
View answerI would encourage any person looking to start, expand or pivot their business to first contact their Local Enterprise Office. The Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘first stop shop’ providing a signposting service to all available Government business supports.
The Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. However, it should be noted that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, or local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
The Local Enterprise Offices also provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is starting a business or growing a business there is something suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option.
The Mentor programme is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance. This may provide this company with guidance on how best to proceed with their business plans.
Programmes such as LEAN for Micro and Green for Micro can provide business owners with tools and expert advice on reducing costs and increasing efficiencies within their business. I would also encourage them to enquire about further digital supports such as the Trading Online Voucher scheme, which can assist businesses in developing their e-commerce capabilities and includes further training in digital marketing and social media.
The above supports along with a host of others can also be found on the supportingsmes.gov.ie website. This is a cross-governmental guide to help small businesses know which of the over 170 Government supports could fit their business.
48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position in relation to the provision of a new advance technology facility at a location (details supplied) in Tralee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41859/22]
View answer50. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a new advance technology facility will be considered for south Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41861/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 50 together.
The IDA’s property investment in the regions is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base. It is crucial that the South-West region has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.
IDA Ireland is committed to building a new (second) Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. On the 6th of July 2022, IDA Ireland announced that it has signed Heads of Terms with Shannon Commercial Enterprises DAC to progress with the acquisition of the remaining lands at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee.
This significant investment by IDA Ireland in the South-West Region aims to future-proof the property offering in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the region and to Kerry in particular.
IDA Ireland is proposing to identify a site within the land bank to accommodate the construction of an Advance Building Solution as announced as part of the IDA Strategy Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024.
Securing planning permission and the construction of the building will take time, but it is intended that the building will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy. The advanced technology building once completed may support either a new office or industrial investment given their flexible nature.
The Strategy also states that IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies and that additional upgrade works, and investment are planned for IDA Parks in the region.
IDA Ireland continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to position County Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies in 2022 and beyond.
49. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position in relation to the commencement of operations and provision of employment at an organisation (details supplied) in Tralee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41860/22]
View answerIn December 2018 Central Pharma set out its plans and took a long-term lease on the Advance Technology Building in Tralee. The company subsequently experienced delays in progressing its plans in part due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing work on site from getting underway. The IDA has advised that the company has recruited a Head of Warehousing and Head of Business Development and it is actively pursuing manufacturing business for the site. The company has commenced business in Tralee, providing warehousing for its first customers, with plans to progress to secondary packing and sterilisation when production commences. Manufacturing operations will include primary contract packing, secondary contract packing, serialisation and aggregation for track and trace of commercial pharmaceutical products. The company plans to add production employees over the first three months of operations.Central Pharma’s total investment in the facility to date (including construction, rent and salaries paid) is €1.1m. The company has obtained the following licence approvals from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
- Manufacturing & Import Activities License (MIA)
- Good Manufacturing Practice Certification (GMP)
- WDA Good Distribution Practice Certification (GDP) Central Pharma is currently experiencing supply chain issues in the UK, related to sourcing components required for its manufacturing operations. In addition, the company has seen a sharp downturn in demand since March 2022, due to the war in Ukraine. As a result of these issues, Central Pharma has revised its plans for production commencement and expects to commence production in Q1 2023. Central Pharma is experiencing business growth in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, medical devices and robotics AI, which the company sees as opportunities for the Tralee site. The company is disappointed in the delays to production commencement but remains committed to the site as a key component of its corporate strategy.
51. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Athy food hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41874/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the Mid-East region, have been developed by regional stakeholders which identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions.
The plans encourage collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the regional offering for enterprise and therefore create an environment for successful economic development and growth across the country.
I was pleased to launch the Mid-East Plan in Wicklow on 3 March 2022. The Mid-East Plan is overseen and monitored by a Regional Steering Committee which is chaired by Mr. Owen Brennan. The Steering Committee members include representation from the Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.
The Mid-East Plan contains five strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024.
Strategic Objective 1 of the Mid-East REP is to position the Mid-East as the primary location for the development of the agri food hubs. The development of the Athy Food, Drinks and Innovation Hub is an action under that Strategic Objective.
Up to €180m in funding will be made available by my Department over the coming months and years to underpin and drive implementation of the strategic objectives and actions included in the Regional Enterprise Plans.
This funding is in addition to the substantial funding the Government has already provided to assist regions to support enterprise activity, promote regional growth and create jobs.
For example, my Department has made available to date over €126m in regional enterprise funding to assist locally-led regional enterprise development projects through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €279 million for 191 projects across the country.
The Athy Food, Drinks and Innovation Hub secured €311,159 from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s RRDF in August 2020 to complete a part 8 planning process and engage a Design Team to complete the detailed design of the project.
I understand that Kildare County Council has submitted a further application for funding under the RRDF last April. I have been advised that successful projects will be announced in the coming months.
I can assure the Deputy that my officials are engaging with the Regional Plan’s Programme Managers on implementation of the Strategic Objectives and associated action in the Plans.
The Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub is an exciting project for Athy and the wider Mid-East region. With a strong Regional Steering Committee driving the actions in the Mid-East Plan and the new funding opportunities being made available, I look forward to seeing the project advance over the coming years.
52. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the proposed industrial park for Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41890/22]
View answerThe timely provision of appropriate, innovative, and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions that meets the needs of MNCs remains essential to winning FDI. IDA Ireland’s regional property programme aims to ensure availability of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations for current and prospective clients of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Over the last 5 years, IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations.
Under their new strategy, “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024” IDA Ireland is targeting the delivery of 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) to regional locations, including a second Advanced Building Solution in Castlebar.
IDA Ireland actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through their network of overseas offices. The IDA owns approximately 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina. IDA Ireland continues to market the site to existing and prospective investors that may be interested in expanding or locating in County Mayo.
I am informed that the Agency will continue work with Mayo County Council to ensure the infrastructure development will be complementary to the wider development plans for Ballina and that the site, once developed will be positioned and marketed as a suitable location for indigenous and FDI developments. In December 2021 IDA lodged a phase 1 infrastructure planning application on its lands in Ballina.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of all properties in cases in which they were leased by State bodies under his aegis; the list of all State bodies under his aegis that are or could be currently acting independently of the OPW to acquire their own property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/22]
View answerIt has not been possible to provide the information being sought by the Deputy in the time available to meet the deadline. My Department will arrange for the provision of the information as soon as possible over the coming days.
