Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of regional development, specifically with regard to IDA Ireland. As Members know, the local authorities now have an economic development role within their jurisdictions following the Local Government Reform Act 2014. I realise it is not easy to turn a tanker quickly, but the oil tanker that is IDA Ireland has been very slow and reticent in facilitating rural Ireland. It is a criticism that I strongly believe.

In the last number of years IDA Ireland has been disposing of assets, primarily land, throughout the country. I am told that in many cases the land was provided by the local authority for the IDA to develop jobs on it. The IDA is now disposing of those lands and is rationalising its land back. I understand the commonsense of that but, as a result of the latest legislation passed by both Houses, each local authority has the capacity to advance economic development, and there is now no land available for many of these authorities. It is a peculiar scenario. The IDA was given land by the local authority, sold it and now the local authority is attempting to generate economic development. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to the House to address the sale of land assets that were provided to the IDA by local authorities. Something should be done about this. It is unfair and unreasonable that this is happening.

I can offer the specific example of my native town of Gorey, County Wexford. The local authority provided land for the IDA. The IDA later sold it and moved on. It has admitted it has no responsibility for Gorey. However, it took the money and used it for its own purposes, which I consider very unfair. I urge the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to the House as soon as possible to discuss this matter.