Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
91. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the establishment of an advanced building solution and regional IDA science and technology park or equivalent for County Mayo to enhance the competitiveness of the county globally for inward investment and ensure balanced and sustainable job creation. [29911/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe timely provision of appropriate, innovative and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multi national corporations (MNCs) that are at the forefront of the modern economy remains essential to winning FDI.
IDA Ireland’s regional property programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects. Over the last 5 years, IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations.
In May 2020 Meissner Filtration Products announced that their new manufacturing facility in Co. Mayo was operational, following the announcement in February 2019 that Meissner would expand its manufacturing operations in Castlebar creating 150 jobs over 5 years. Meissner established in an IDA Ireland constructed Advanced Manufacturing Building completed in late 2018.
I am advised that the locations in which IDA Ireland will provide property solutions over the lifetime of its new strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024” were chosen based on extensive analysis, engagement, review and consultation as well as macroeconomic considerations, existing clusters and available resources. IDA Ireland will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) to regional locations, including one in Mayo. The national capital investment plans outlined in the new IDA Ireland strategy, subject to planning permission and public procurement process, are expected to commence and be delivered within the term of the new strategy at all identified locations.
IDA Ireland will also partner with Local Authorities and the private sector to deliver additional buildings in key locations where appropriate.
In each region, IDA Ireland will invest in significant infrastructure projects across its portfolio of Business and Technology Parks to upgrade and maintain these key assets in line with the evolving requirements of IDA Ireland and EI clients. IDA Ireland will also maintain a focus on land banks and utility intensive strategic sites to future proof its property portfolio to support the project pipeline, most notably large-scale capital-intensive projects which can have significant regional and national economic impacts. Additional upgrade works, and investment are planned for IDA Ireland Parks in the West region and IDA Ireland is currently engaged with Mayo County Council to progress a partnership to develop additional business park and strategic lands for future development.
