Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019
304. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has discussed with IDA Ireland the need to develop proactive policies to ensure the best use of the properties it has in rural areas and in small and medium-sized towns nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50095/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand remains a key element in the IDA's ability to compete for mobile foreign direct investment (FDI). Not only does such a supply of properties help the Agency to secure significant investments but it also allows projects to begin at an earlier date by diminishing difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction.
I want to emphasise that IDA-owned sites are never left intentionally idle or vacant. In fact, the opposite is the case. The IDA is doing everything it possibly can to market these properties to investors and to convince them to locate there. The Agency actively brings regional locations and suitable sites to the attention of all its clients, whether it's for existing companies in Ireland that are looking to expand or first-time clients overseas.
While the IDA itself is focused on inward investment, the Agency manages its property portfolio for the benefit of both its own clients and those of Enterprise Ireland. The IDA’s property team, for example, works closely with Enterprise Ireland to support the needs of indigenous companies who may be seeking appropriate properties. There is also ongoing engagement between the two agencies about the property needs of their respective clients. This includes plans to develop campus style property solutions to support development and business to business collaborations.
More generally, we are achieving real results in deepening the spread of regional FDI. The IDA’s 2018 results bear out that assessment. Last year the Agency delivered 113 regional investments with 56% of net new jobs created outside Dublin. Moreover, the last four years have seen over 44,000 new FDI-driven jobs created outside the capital. We will continue to do our utmost to reinforce and strengthen these positive trends and to further job creation across the entirety of the country.
