Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
254. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the locations of all new Industrial Development Agency-led advance unit developments in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by IDA that the Agency did not deliver any advance units in 2011 or in 2012.
IDA’s property strategy has evolved and changed over the years. In the 1970s it was the prevailing view that to facilitate widely dispersed job creation and regional development it would be beneficial to have IDA-built advance factories available throughout the country. That view changed and throughout the 1980s partnership arrangements between public and private organisations were put in place to provide additional advance factory buildings. From the 2000s on, IDA has been disposing of its landlord interests in selected legacy buildings and its ownership of lands throughout the country. To fully align with IDA’s strategic objectives for the period 2010 to 2014, as outlined in its strategy document “Horizon 2020” the Agency is now primarily focussed on maintaining its Gateway Business and Technology Parks and strategic sites while simultaneously, disposing of its non-core property assets located in hub and other legacy locations around the country.
However, IDA has identified a marketing requirement for advanced technology building designs to assist with current and future project opportunities. Based on market feedback and experience, the type of building which offers the best solution is an approximately 2,300m² technology building, capable of expansion. This building type can serve the needs of both manufacturing and serviced based projects. Accordingly, IDA has lodged planning application for one such unit to be located in the IDA Business and Technology Park in Waterford and is in the process of making a submission to Westmeath County Council in respect of IDA Business and Technology Park in Athlone.
