Sorca Clarke
Question:403. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on progress being made to acquire an IDA purpose-built facility in Longford town. [47883/23]
View answerTuesday, 7 November 2023
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IDA Ireland’s property investment programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the country and provides property solutions available to IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland's and the Local Enterprise Offices' respective client bases. In this regard, the provision of property solutions is a key element of IDA’s marketing of the Midlands Region, including Longford.
IDA Ireland has committed to build an Advanced Building Solution - or ABS - in Longford to support the winning of new investment and job creation. An extensive site selection process for the new building is underway. While the site selection process is commercially sensitive until a land acquisition has been completed, I am advised that IDA Ireland continues to explore all possible options to identify and secure suitable lands aligned with investor needs and is continuing to liaise with Longford County Council and with wider stakeholders in this regard. 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. IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner.
I should also note that regional development is a key plank of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. IDA is targeting half of all investments, a minimum of 400 of 800 investments, to regional locations, under the strategy. 25 of these investments are targeted for the Midlands region. In the meantime, Longford is already home to 7 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing more than 1,620 people and has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors. This portfolio of multinational companies is hugely significant to the region and today the Midlands has become a key strategic base for global companies of scale.