Written answers
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Industrial Development
5:00 pm
Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits undertaken and arranged by the IDA to visit the IDA industrial park and lands at Marlinstown; the position in relation to securing industry for the said location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21248/07]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Mullingar, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I understand from the Agency that there have been four site visits to the IDA Park in Marlinstown, Mullingar, two in 2006 and two to date in 2007.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the locations of emphasis for IDA Ireland in the midlands counties are the Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the Agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. IDA has been promoting the Marlinstown site of 70 acres to investors seeking substantial acreage. I have been informed that the Agency is now re-submitting a planning application for a new 25,000 sq. ft. Advance Office Building. This will be followed by a further submission for a 25,000 sq. ft. Advance Technology Building. These buildings will be promoted by the IDA's overseas and property division to Medical Technology, Financial Services and ICT companies to secure new investments for Mullingar. All decisions regarding where to visit, as well as where to locate, ultimately are matters for the investing company.
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