Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2017
78. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the names of all potential investors that have expressed an interest in locating in Drogheda or have met the IDA regarding same in the past five years. [47205/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the names of all potential investors that have expressed an interest in expanding an existing business in Drogheda and have met with the IDA regarding same in the past five years. [47206/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the names of all potential investors that have visited Drogheda IDA business park in the past five years. [47207/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 to 80, inclusive, together.
Regional development is a top priority of mine and I am determined to help drive job creation all over Ireland. Increasing and sustaining foreign direct investment (FDI) outside of our main urban areas - including in Counties Meath and Louth - represents a vital part of this.
Drogheda remains an attractive destination for FDI given its track record as a home to multinational companies, the excellent local infrastructure and its proximity to Dublin and the capital's transport hubs. The wider Meath and Louth areas also benefit from these advantages, which helps explain why there are a total of 38 IDA client companies employing over 5,000 people in the two counties combined.
The IDA continues to seek new investment for the Drogheda area. The Agency has a Business Park in the town which is already home to one client and which could support further investment. The sites available at that Park are actively marketed to overseas companies. Information on those companies that may be considered potential investors cannot, however, be released on grounds of confidentiality and commercial sensitivity.
Two IDA client companies which have confirmed new investment for Drogheda in recent years are Kelton Tech and Mobile Technologies Inc. These businesses have indicated they plan on creating 250 jobs in the town and the IDA hopes that further such investment can be secured for Drogheda in the time ahead.
The following table sets out details on the number of site visits to counties Meath and Louth from 2013 to quarter three of this year.
|
County |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Q3 2017 |
|
Meath |
1 |
2 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
|
Louth |
4 |
10 |
20 |
24 |
14 |
