Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2019
155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there have been developments regarding the possible location of an inward investment project at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4691/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is well-documented, IDA Ireland is helping ensure, through its Regional Property Programme, that property solutions are in place for overseas companies considering investing or expanding in regional areas.
As part of Budget 2019, I allocated an additional €10m for the next phase of the IDA Regional Property Programme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that programme includes plans for an Advanced Technology Unit (ATU) at Knockaconny, County Monaghan. The IDA are currently in the process of procuring a design and delivery team for this facility.
More broadly, I want to emphasise that creating jobs in the regions is a priority for both the IDA and my Department. I am focused on doing everything I can to deliver the most even possible spread of investment across the country. The resources we have invested into regional growth is, as the evidence illustrates, producing results. In 2018, for example, the IDA delivered 113 regional investments with 56% of net new jobs created outside Dublin. The last four years have seen over 44,000 new foreign direct investment-supported jobs created outside the capital. We will continue to do our utmost to encourage further such job growth across all parts of Ireland, including Monaghan, in the time ahead.
