Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of visits made by prospective overseas investors at the invitation of the Industrial Development Authority to locations in the Waterford constituency since January 2009; the sites visited; the outcome of each visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23392/10]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the sites in the Waterford constituency to which the Industrial Development Authority have brought or will bring foreign direct investors to visit; the reason that these are the sites that are selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

I have been informed by IDA that from the beginning of 2009 and to date in 2010, there have been a total of 14 site visits by potential investors to Waterford City and County, 10 visits in 2009 and 4 to date in 2010. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement.

There have been no immediate investment announcements resulting from these but there can often be a considerable time lag between a site visit and investment an announcement as there are many factors effecting a company's decision as to where to locate. IDA Ireland introduces a prospective client company to 3 or 4 selected locations, which can meet the company's requirements for skills, labour, site and/or building(s), and infrastructure. While IDA seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA's strategy for Waterford is focused on the Gateway City of Waterford and the county town of Dungarvan, and as will be seen from the tabular statement, all of IDA's itineraries have been to there two towns.

Table showing the location and number of site visits to Waterford City and County in 2009 and to date in 2010.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the locations throughout the country that have been visited by prospective foreign direct investors at the invitation of the Industrial Development Authority since January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23439/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by IDA Ireland that since January of this year, there have been a total of 193 site visits by potential investors to various locations throughout the country. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement.

Typically, a company is shown three or four selected towns, which can meet its requirements for skills, labour, site and/or buildings and infrastructure. In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses and also gives priority to the Border, Midlands and West regions.

While IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on both visits and final location is taken, in all cases, by the promoting company.

Table showing the location of site visits made by potential investors since the beginning of January 2010.