Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again endorse what Deputy Stanton and Senator Ahearn have highlighted with the N25 and N24. I think Mr. Shanahan, Mr. Curran and I touched on this when we last spoke but it is important we get regional connectivity between the south east and the south west-midlands. That can be achieved with upgrades to both of those roads, which are badly needed. The IDA may be able to apply some pressure there.

I have a couple of other points. Green hydrogen was spoken about briefly. Is the IDA liaising with any companies about looking at biomethane development in the country in terms of FDI players? It is an area that has not been exploited and we have very large food manufacturers here, as the authority knows.

My other point is that people may not be aware the original reason Bausch + Lomb invested in Waterford was a private trade mission where Waterford business people who had connections with Rochester went over and met people there. That was the initial genesis of what is now the largest employer, or one of them anyway, in the south east. Would the IDA support future private trade missions from areas like, say, the south east? It is something I have mentioned before but it would be good to see if that is something the authority would approve of.

I think we also touched on this before but what of procurement opportunities for the SME sector through engagement with FDI companies? This was tried as an initiative in Waterford a number of years ago. Unfortunately, it failed. If a small company tries to ring a pharma company it cannot even get someone to answer the call. If a direct line is needed there is nobody to take the call. It is really difficult for an SME to engage in order to try to market itself or its service. Can anything be done to help with a procurement platform?

As a final point, will Mr. Shanahan or Mr. Curran outline their commitment to the refurbishment of facilities in Waterford they previously mentioned to me? I again extend an invitation to the team to come down for the refurbishment of the authority's office in Waterford. When it is done we would like to host them there with business people in Waterford.