Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA Ireland site visits to County Kerry in quarter 2 of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40393/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland staff across the globe are conscious of the importance and impact of winning investments to locations such as Kerry and other regional locations.
IDA Ireland is operating in a very challenging environment over the past 16 months with little or no international travel globally as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. The organisation has been operating virtually and hosting companies on virtual site visits with some successes during this time.
IDA Ireland is committed to winning opportunities for Kerry and the following points highlight this continued focus:
IDA Ireland Strategy 2021-2024 launched in January 2021 which again commits the organisation to winning new investments for every region of Ireland.
The Strategy contains a target of 800 investments for Ireland over the period, 400 of which will be outside Dublin. In addition, each region has its own individual target over the strategy with the South West Region (Kerry & Cork) having the largest target of any region outside Dublin of 118 investments.
A strong focus on supporting existing companies already in Ireland to minimise downsizings or closures. Some industry sectors are performing well while others have been impacted significantly as a result of the pandemic and/or a downturn on certain markets served by IDA client companies.
IDA Ireland has again publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Tralee to support winning a new investment. The site selection process is underway on this. While it will take time to secure planning permission and construct the building, it is a strong statement of continued commitment to Kerry to support the winning of new investments.
The closure of Borg Warner has been a disappointment to the town and the individual employees impacted by the decision. IDA continues to market the facility and the potential availability of experienced and skilled former employees for new potential investments as they emerge.
IDA continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business utilising virtual site visits as opposed to physically visiting the county. In Q2, 2021, IDA Ireland hosted a virtual site visit showcasing Kerry for a potential investment. IDA will continue to position Kerry for virtual site visits over the rest of 2021 and beyond.
