Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, IDA Ireland released annual results yesterday. More than 24,000 net new jobs were created – the highest year on record. More than half of new investments went to locations outside of Dublin. Employment was up in every part of the country, including the mid-west, where it grew by 3.6%. Total employment in IDA Ireland client companies now stands at more than 300,000 for the first time.

IDA Ireland is placing an increased focus on sustainability and its current strategy targets 60 sustainability investments, that is, investments by client companies that contribute towards decarbonisation and the green transition. We secured 21 of these in 2022.

It is essential that there are serviceable sites with appropriate zoning, planning and the required infrastructure in all parts of Ireland to attract foreign direct investment, FDI. IDA Ireland's regional property programme uses leadership in energy and environmental design, LEED, accreditation to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in its building programme. Successful initiatives to date include simple yet impactful steps, such as the installation of more efficient public lighting and an enhanced focus on sustainable models of transport, for example, public transport links to business parks. It has invested in and installed bus and cycle infrastructure, where possible, in flagship parks.

I am advised that IDA Ireland's property division is working with Limerick City and County Council in designing a new cycle lane along the banks of the River Shannon and River Mulcair to the north and east of the national technology park in Castletroy. In addition, I am informed that IDA Ireland made a written submission to the draft Limerick Shannon metropolitan area transport study in relation to transport links in the city. The submission advocated for high-quality, connected and accessible transport infrastructure, be that through active travel facilities, public transport or road infrastructure.

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