Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Stanley is aware, at the request of Deputy Charles Flanagan I arranged a delegation involving himself, other Deputies and local authorities to meet the IDA and discuss the challenges. IDA Ireland has a clear strategy. It has invested €3.2 million in the business park in Portlaoise. It is targeting the location on the basis of the scope it has to deliver in the internationally traded services sector. That is its offer. It also has a significant flagship business park in Tullamore and it has required planning permission for three 10,000 sq. ft. advance technology units. It is positioning Laois and Offaly to be competitive.

It is not IDA Ireland, however, that decides where companies locate. Companies make decisions on the basis of many criteria. Often they are looking for the best fit with their sector. We must build a competitive advantage in the various regions to exploit the areas of opportunity. There is strength in Laois and Offaly in indigenous companies in the food sector, which is doing exceptionally well and has good prospects for growth. It is not always a case of looking to the IDA. It is also important to build on sectors where we have inherent strengths. Engineering is a strong sector, as are forestry and food. There are opportunities to build on them. We are seeking to make Laois and Offaly competitive and to market them effectively. I do not have the figures on visits but I think there were three visits to Laois and Offaly last year.

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