IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency hosted 2 visits to County Kildare in the past twelve months, one to Naas and one to Athy. The Agency has maintained contact with the companies involved with a view to securing investment, if possible.
IDA Ireland's strategy for County Kildare is:
To progress the development of a knowledge economy; in order that the County can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment;
To encourage increased cooperation between foreign direct investment companies and the third level institutions in the County e.g. National University of Ireland, Maynooth;
To work with the existing client base in the County and to expand their presence in the County;
To provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure;
To work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the County.
In recent months, IFS, a financial services company has established a facility in Millennium Park Naas and in recent years the county has attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard.
I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the area.