Alan Dillon
Question:13. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the number of IDA visits to Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43520/23]
View answerThursday, 12 October 2023
Questions (13)
Oral answers (3 contributions)
As a representative of the people of Mayo, I continue to strongly campaign for a fair and equitable approach to regional development. I believe it is crucial we address the situation regarding the IDA's activities across the county. Will the Minister provide a comprehensive report on the total number of site visits organised by IDA Ireland to Mayo this year?
I am afraid we are out of time.
I am heading to Mayo tonight and meeting with businesses tomorrow. I will be able to discuss that with the Deputy and others tomorrow.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
IDA Ireland, through its regional property programme, aims to ensure a suitable supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise offices. In this regard, the IDA keeps its land-holdings under constant review, including in the west and in County Mayo, with a view to future-proofing its property offering. Moreover, the IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector and has had regular engagements with Mayo County Council on its plans in this context.
During the past two years there were a number of positive foreign direct investment, FDI, developments, including significant announcements in County Mayo. In July this year, Charles River Laboratories International Inc. announced the completion of a €10 million expansion of its testing capabilities at its Ballina, County Mayo site. This follows a previous announcement in 2021 by Charles River of plans for an expansion of its testing capabilities in Ballina to give an additional 1,500 sq. m of lab space and create up to 90 new skilled roles.
In October 2022, Fort Wayne Metals celebrated 20 years of manufacturing in Ireland, having established in 2002 with just five employees and now employing 150 employees. In June 2022, Baxter Healthcare SA celebrated 50 years of manufacturing in Ireland. The company’s Castlebar site, established in 1972 with just nine employees, now has more than 1,200 employees. Previously in October 2021, TELUS International AI Data Solutions announced 30 new roles in Ballina.
I have been informed by the IDA that there was one e-visit, as it is called, in Mayo this year. However, I am also advised this is not necessarily indicative of the number of companies that have visited in circumstances where potential clients often visit more than one county and may also return to a location more than once. IDA Ireland will continue to market Mayo and the west through its overseas offices to target mobile FDI opportunities.
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