Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome. I thank the Office of the Cathaoirleach for choosing this matter for debate this morning.

As the Minister of State will know, Galway has a very proud record of job creation at IDA Ireland-sponsored plants in a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, medtech, international financial services, business services, engineering and food. We want to see the pipeline of investment continue. The Oranmore-Athenry economic corridor was designated and included in the Galway county development plan many years ago, when I was a councillor. There are land banks at Parkmore, the airport site in Carnmore, the IDA Ireland site in Oranmore, which comprises 80 acres, the Department of Defence lands in Oranmore, which are substantial, and Athenry, where there are 230 acres.

We know the history of some projects. Some did not happen, including those relating to Apple in Athenry and Intel in Oranmore. While we did not secure the latter, Oranmore was one of the final two options for the location of the new plant. That is a testimony to the work of IDA Ireland and the land bank available in the Oranmore area. We also have a bank of land in Knocknacarra, in the west of the city.

The area between Oranmore and Athenry contains the necessary infrastructure, including electricity infrastructure, a motorway and rail links. There are some downsides, including in the context of wastewater infrastructure. I am wondering what engagement the Department will have with Irish Water on developing the east Galway main drainage scheme. It has been talked about for many years. I am concerned that the current circumstances are an impediment to future expansion. Irish Water, Galway County Council and the Minister of State’s Department need to engage to ensure there is no impediment to future job creation.

Last year, some 500 additional jobs were created through IDA Ireland in Galway, including by Medtronic, Genesys and Integer. We have seen an increase in employment in the multinational sector. We are aware of its importance to an area like Galway. So many people from Galway city and county and Mayo work in the multinational sector in Galway. We want to ensure the jobs are secure. There are bigger issues at play in the context of competition, tax rates and other matters of which the Government is and needs to remain conscious. However, regarding what we are doing in government, it is important that we ensure IDA Ireland promotes the land banks and that replacement land banks will be available should the existing ones be utilised in the very near future. While a substantial number of acres are available, I understand there is substantial interest in the sites. Intel’s proposed Galway site was among the last two options in Europe before a decision was made to build in Germany. I am wondering about the current level of engagement and interest. Has IDA Ireland plans to secure additional lands within this area or others within the city and county?