Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for taking time to be here. A very impressive, brand-spanking-new IDA advanced technology building, ATB, was completed in Monaghan in 2021 but has been lying idle waiting for an occupier since then. The new 1,400 sq. m building is in the industrial park in Knockaconny, just outside Monaghan town, and has ancillary office space over two floors. ATBs are designed to facilitate a change of function to advanced office buildings if required, and also have 100% capacity expansion, which is very much welcome. IDA Ireland's ATBs offer ready-for-occupation, high-spec, flexible and sustainable property solutions suitable for high-value manufacturing and global businesses services to support the winning of investment from IDA clients. The Monaghan development is part of IDA Ireland's wider regional property programme, the objective of which is to develop property solutions in regional locations across the country in places like Monaghan. As part of the regional property programme, advanced buildings have been constructed, completed and occupied in many other parts of the country, which is very welcome. This initiative is vital in supporting the Border region in particular because in the past, the region has been left behind when it comes to foreign direct investment. This new facility must now help to attract more investment to a county and region that has previously fended for itself.

I am aware that advertisements to potential investors began when the building in Knockaconny was completed towards the end of 2021. The IDA has expressed confidence in attracting new investors but, unfortunately, without success to date. The IDA has said that it is actively marketing this state-of-the-art facility in all of its 24 global offices. This is very welcome. I hope the IDA can find an investor with long-term potential to expand and grow in that location. County Monaghan and the wider Border regions have long exported their children to the capital and further afield, when there were not the types of jobs they needed to get back in their own locality. We hope we can reverse that trend. It is long overdue that there would be some FDI with the potential to attract our young graduates to return in the long term.

Of course, we recognise the finer points of ongoing negotiations and commercial sensitivities. Bearing that in mind, I would be grateful if the Minister of State could give us an update as to where we are in trying to find an occupier for the brand-new building.