Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I thank Deputy Troy for raising this matter. I have some sympathy for his position as I understand the frustration of any Deputy who represents areas outside of the large urban conurbations when it comes to attracting inward investment to their business parks. I too have had words with the agency when it comes to its policy of attracting inward investment to places other than the larger urban conurbations.

IDA Ireland's property portfolio comprises approximately 1,240 ha. Under section 16 of the Industrial Development Act 1986 the agency has responsibility for managing its property programme which consists of the acquisition and disposal of land, the development and servicing of land and the provision of building solutions. The programme has been designed specifically to support the promotion of Ireland and its regions as a suitable location for foreign direct investment, FDI, by providing tailored property solutions.

The midlands region is a priority for IDA Ireland and it is continuing to market the region, including Mullingar, to its existing clients and to potential new investors. In line with the national spatial strategy and IDA Ireland's strategy, Horizon 2020, IDA Ireland is focused on advancing regional economic development, primarily through gateway locations and in the midlands this includes Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone.

The IDA has invested heavily in the business and technology park in Mullingar to make it more attractive to overseas clients. The agency has confirmed that it will continue to promote this park and other local private property options to secure new investments for Mullingar and its surrounding areas. As Ireland competes for high-end investments, the concept of scale is crucial to success. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talented people, effective physical and digital infrastructure, coupled with the availability of sophisticated support services, an attractive quality of life and proximity to third level institutions.

IDA Ireland is actively marketing the midlands gateway through its network of overseas offices and is in regular engagement with all local economic stakeholders including local authorities, midlands gateway chamber, county development boards, academia and Enterprise Ireland to develop constantly the value proposition for the midlands and to provide the most attractive conditions for growth.

With the improved infrastructure that is now in place, a significant number of people commute from within the midlands gateway. The IDA considers a project win in one midlands town to have a positive impact on the other surrounding areas due to the close proximity of all main locations.

As well as marketing the region for new greenfield investment, IDA Ireland continues to work with existing clients to deepen their mandate in Ireland and to continue to reinvest in their sites in the region. This encourages further business in areas which are compatible with our skills base and which are sustainable within our economy in the longer term.

The strategy of developing lands and property in advance of securing new business has been a fundamental and successful tool in the IDA's marketing to overseas clients. The ready availability of property solutions often eliminates the lead times normally associated with acquiring property and for completing necessary development work. It also allows for the commencement of projects at an earlier date by eliminating many of the potential difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction.

It is an accepted that the role of the IDA in making available appropriate and timely property solutions tailored to the needs of prospective multinational clients has been a key contributor to winning FDI to Ireland.

I have been informed some clients tend to opt for site locations in larger urban areas. I agree with the Deputy that there must be a meaningful dialogue with the IDA around the designation of hubs in attracting inward investment to sites such as the one in question. There may also be a need to examine more closely how these sites can be better utilised.

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