Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
59. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the progress that the IDA and Mayo County Council are making on the delivery of an advance building solution for Castlebar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45178/22]
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.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base. The RPP has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations over the past 5 years. It is crucial that the region has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.
IDA Ireland have publicly committed to build a second Advanced Building Solution in Castlebar under their new strategy, “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024 ”, to support the winning of new investment and job creation.
The site selection process for the new building is well underway. On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. The specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on, and subject to the successful outcome of these processes. I am assured that the IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. IDA Ireland has engaged with Mayo County Council on its plans.
Despite the success of IDA Property Programme, the programme alone cannot meet the needs of enterprise across every region. The Agency continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive land and property solutions in regional locations.
