Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
238. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on IDA Ireland's delivery of an advanced building solution for Castlebar; when the site selection process will be finalised; if the design-and-planning phase will commence in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19123/23]
View answerRegional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland’s strategy, with a target for half of all investments, that is 400, from 2021-2024 to go to regional locations outside Dublin. IDA is committed to the ongoing pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and maintaining high levels of investment across each region of the country.
IDA Ireland’s property investment programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and LEO client base. IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of Mayo and the West Region and it is essential that the West Region and Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs. In that regard, IDA, as part of its Regional Property Programme, has delivered an advance technology building in Castlebar which has been occupied by Meissner Filtration Products, announcing 150 jobs in 2019.
IDA has also committed to build a new, second, Advance Technology Building in Castlebar to support 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. While the specific dates for commencement of construction are dependent on, and subject to, the successful outcome of these processes, IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. To these ends, IDA Ireland has had regular engagement with Mayo County Council on its plans.
