Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

IDA Ireland is working hard to ensure that all these regions and sites are available for clients and potential clients. It is important to have the sites available. These are feasible tools to attract companies. In the end, however, it is up to the investors to decide where to put investment in the country.

IDA Ireland is operating in a very competitive environment at the moment. That is why IDA Ireland must compete by region rather than by town, village or small city. IDA Ireland is up against other major cities, for example, Birmingham and Manchester, in the UK where millions of people live in one location. IDA Ireland competes by region. The agency must ensure the multinational companies are connected to the right location for the company. That is important also.

IDA Ireland does not have the final decision in these matters. The companies that potentially wish to set up here have property people who look at the places where they want to invest. We can bring the investors to the locations but in the end it is up to them to decide. Many factors influence where they decide to locate.

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