Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the guests in the Gallery and I thank Senator Gallagher for his contribution, for his ongoing interest in this issue and for his good wishes.

Senators will recall that 2021 was a record-breaking year for foreign direct investment employment. Total employment in IDA client companies now stands at 275,384, which was up over 29,000 on the 2020 figure. Growth in the regions was particularly buoyant, with 53%, or 133 projects of the 249 investments won by IDA, going to regional locations. Employment growth was recorded in every region of the country in 2021 and our agencies are currently finalising the 2022 employment survey with a view to publishing it before the end of this year.

Monaghan is marketed by the IDA as part of the wider Border region made up of the counties of Donegal, Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim, as well as Monaghan. There are currently eight IDA-supported companies in Monaghan employing 430 people. The FDI performance in the Border region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 18% as traditional strengths in sectors such as engineering, industrial technologies and medical technologies were complemented by new investments from the technology, international financial services and life science sectors.

Key to that success is strategic collaboration with national and local stakeholders on the enhancement of the regional value proposition. The existing FDI-based companies in Monaghan enjoy strong collaborative links with several third-level colleges including Dundalk Institute of Technology, the Technological University of the Shannon and the Atlantic Technology University. IDA Ireland is committed to ensuring a good supply of suitable property solutions to be available for FDI in regional locations and as such the agency has a network of business and technology parks across every region to support both IDA and Enterprise Ireland client companies.

As the Senator said, IDA’s business and technology park is located on the outskirts of Monaghan town, which is an 80-minute drive from Belfast City Airport and from Dublin Airport. The park comprises 17 ha and is fully landscaped. The development of the advance building solution in Monaghan was part of IDA Ireland’s wider regional property programme. The programme is funded by the Government with an extra €20 million this year. Completed in 2021, this building is located in the IDA park and offers additional IDA lands adjoining the site offering opportunities for expansion subject to planning. The building includes a technology or manufacturing space and two-storey accommodation.

I am advised that the IDA has regular engagement with client companies and stakeholders in the county and this will continue both towards the end of 2022 and throughout 2023.IDA Ireland will continue to market Monaghan and the wider Border region through its overseas offices, as referred to by the Senator, to target mobile FDI and will arrange corresponding site visits as required. I will continue to keep pressure on IDA Ireland to ensure we fill the unit as soon as possible.