Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to towns (details supplied) in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27193/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives, with interested parties, to Tullamore, County Offaly in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27194/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.

IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency hosted twenty four site visits to Athlone and two each to Mullingar and Longford during 2005. There were eight site visits to Tullamore during the year, but no site visits took place to Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Moate or Ballymahon.

A key goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development, with potential investors often indicating that they are only willing to consider an urban base close to third level educational facilities that provides infrastructure and services that are international in focus. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for this goal wherein the focus is on the Gateway and Hub locations throughout the State. However smaller locations can sometimes also be appealing to potential overseas investors who may wish to locate some functions away from the main centres of population and IDA Ireland, will encourage and facilitate such investments at every opportunity.

It is important to remember that success in attracting overseas investment to the Gateway and Hub locations not alone brings high-wage jobs to these locations but also has knock-on benefits in other sectors such as supply, distribution and transport, thus creating further investment/employment opportunities for local people in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas. Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate, including what sites to visit as potential locations are taken by the investor.

IDA Ireland's Strategy for the Midlands Region is:

∙To progress the development of a knowledge economy, in order that the Region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment.

∙To work with the existing client base in the Counties and to expand their presence in the various Counties;

∙To provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure;

∙To work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the various Counties.

I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the area.