John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but the IDA will deal with companies that might potentially invest in Ireland. My concern is that we are lining up reasons for them not to come here, and doing so at the wrong time. It is not the IDA's fault but is done because of political agendas. I met groups that are involved in these negotiations and they are very clear that in their opinion it is not needed. Although the process has been good and they have been pleased with the Department and other people involved, everybody to whom I speak asks what we are doing. While the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are doing an amazing job, the legislation we pass must correlate what their work is about. There is a danger that we are putting impediments to investors where we should not be.

Yesterday, the IDA with Enterprise Ireland, announced a regional plan. In the past few weeks I have met Mr. Shanahan, the IDA chairman Mr. Frank Ryan and the new regional manager for the south east Anne-Marie Tierney-Le Roux. Mr. Ryan told me about a problem he immediately identified when he became chairman. One of the first things he asked for was data on the companies that had been offered regional aid incentives. He wanted to know which companies turned them down to move to larger urban areas as opposed to the regions. The list was extensive. Mr. Barry O'Leary also noted this during his tenure as chief executive of the IDA. He identified that no matter how much money we were throwing at these companies, it was not working and we needed to deal with it differently. We all know it. Since Mr. Shanahan has come to the job, I feel people are being listened to for the first time. The fact that there is a regional director for the south east is very significant for us. For 20 years, the south east, which has seen a 9% decline in jobs, was left without a regional director. Our area was dealt with from Cork, and it did not work. I appreciate the consideration Mr. Shanahan has given with this key appointment and I hope it will be worthwhile.

Last night, I spoke to the Minister, Deputy Bruton, about yesterday's announcement by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. While it is positive that Waterford has been earmarked for an advanced factory in 2017, it is too far away for us. The advanced factory that is being completed now is great and I am hopeful that we will get a company into it soon. Over recent weeks I have engaged with the IDA and the Waterford county manager about putting together a proposal for an advanced factory in Dungarvan. Mr. Shanahan has the proposal. Now that the advanced factory in the city has been completed, we need one in the west of the county to service the area. It would cost little money. The facility is there in the old recycling plant in Dungarvan. Could Mr. Shanahan deal with the specific proposal? How will he deal with the local authorities on such issues over the coming year? While I have seen broad policy statements on area action plans, there is a need for more engagement with the local authorities as to what assets they have that could be renovated or refitted. In some cases, they are very ready to engage with the IDA.