Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

IDA Site Visits

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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150. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits to County Kerry by prospective Industrial Development Agency Ireland companies to date in 2016; the details of these visits; if he is content with this level of visitation and if not, the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/16]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland markets Kerry as part of its South West region, along with Cork. There are 12 IDA Ireland client companies employing 1,931 people in the county.

In the first quarter of 2016, there was one site visit by a potential investor to Co. Kerry. For reasons of client confidentiality, it is not possible for IDA Ireland to provide details of the visit. It should be noted that data on site visits is not a true measure of FDI activity in a region or county, given that 70% of all new FDI investment comes from existing client companies.

This Government, through the development of the Action Plan for Jobs – Regional, has placed an increased emphasis on supporting business development and jobs growth in all regions. Published last July, the South West Action Plan for Jobs (SWAPJ) focuses on Cork and Kerry. This plan aims to develop the full potential of the region through the delivery of 261 collaborative actions focusing on increasing the number of start-ups, developing the capacity of existing enterprises, winning new IDA Ireland investments and capitalising on the strengths and opportunities of the region.

While my Department has facilitated the compilation of the SWAPJ through engagements with stakeholders in the South West, ownership of the Plan – and ensuring its delivery - rests with the people, businesses, education providers and public bodies in the South West Region.

As part of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs process, IDA Ireland is set to invest €150 million over five years in property solutions designed to allow it to create opportunities to win additional projects for all regions. This investment includes the delivery of an advance facility in Tralee, Co. Kerry.

The IDA Ireland property investment programme is a positive development for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into regional locations. It will provide access to modern property solutions which, when combined with a strong local talent pool and existing FDI cluster, will give these locations an enhanced proposition to offer international investors.

The tender process is underway for the appointment of a contractor for the construction of the facility in Tralee. The notification of the decision to grant planning permission was received from Kerry County Council on 25 February 2016 and the contractor will be appointed after the final grant of planning permission is received by IDA Ireland. The anticipated completion of the building is quarter 1 2017.

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