Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that IDA Ireland is doing remarkable work in promoting Ireland internationally. It has been hugely successful over many decades in attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland. I concur that it is regrettable that the planning permission for the site was allowed to expire. I commit to the Deputy that I will engage with IDA Ireland to make sure that the commitment for the third quarter is honoured and that planning permission will be resubmitted at that stage.

The Deputy is aware that IDA Ireland has launched its new strategy for 2021 to 2024, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth. A key part of this is regional development, which is at the very heart of the strategy. There is a commitment that of the 800 targeted investments to be completed by the end of 2024, 400 of them must be in the regions. From the Deputy's perspective, I can see the need to have the planning permission obtained and buildings constructed to enhance the marketability of Ballina for some of this investment.

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