I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
I have been informed by IDA that from the beginning of 2009 and to date in 2010, there have been a total of 14 site visits by potential investors to Waterford City and County, 10 visits in 2009 and 4 to date in 2010. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement.
There have been no immediate investment announcements resulting from these but there can often be a considerable time lag between a site visit and investment an announcement as there are many factors effecting a company's decision as to where to locate. IDA Ireland introduces a prospective client company to 3 or 4 selected locations, which can meet the company's requirements for skills, labour, site and/or building(s), and infrastructure. While IDA seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA's strategy for Waterford is focused on the Gateway City of Waterford and the county town of Dungarvan, and as will be seen from the tabular statement, all of IDA's itineraries have been to there two towns.
Table showing the location and number of site visits to Waterford City and County in 2009 and to date in 2010.
Location
|
2009
|
2010 (to date )
|
Waterford City
|
8
|
3
|
Dungarvan
|
2
|
1
|