IDA Ireland Portfolio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2019

Wednesday, 23 October 2019

Ceisteanna (131, 132)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

131. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to attract investment into Athenry, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43794/19]

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

132. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if IDA Ireland has been renting out its 92 hectare strategic site (details supplied) in Athenry, County Galway; the amount of rent it has collected at the site in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; if the IDA is seeking investment at the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43795/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

IDA Ireland owns a strategic site in Athenry consisting of 92 hectares. Approximately 80 of these hectares are leased to Teagasc who were the original owners of the site. The agreed rental consideration in the lease agreement with Teagasc is €18,005.80 per annum for the period 2014 to 2017 and €15,732.42 per annum for the period 2018 to 2019.

The Athenry Strategic Site remains a key asset in the IDA's property portfolio and forms part of the Strategic Economic Corridor in the Galway County Development Plan. The site has been master planned by the Agency and all available lands, including those leased to Teagasc, are marketed to prospective investors through the IDA's network of offices in Ireland and overseas.

County Galway has traditionally been a strong performer in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the IDA continues to draw the attention of clients looking to invest or expand in the County, including Athenry. Galway has seen an increase in employment numbers with almost 1,500 net new jobs created by IDA Ireland client companies in 2018. The enterprise agencies under my remit will continue to engage with their clients and with one another to secure further investment and job creation for Galway and the West region.