Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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84. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding regional IDA site visits and vacant properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22960/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Under its current strategy, IDA Ireland has targeted an increase of 30% to 40% in foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside Dublin by 2019. The data available shows that progress is being made towards achieving this goal, with 173 site visits recorded in the first quarter of this year.  This is an increase of over 20% on 2016, when 136 visits were recorded for the same period.

While visits by the Agency’s client companies are a useful tool in promoting particular locations, the final decision as to where an investment may ultimately be situated is dependent on an array of factors. This includes the suitability of infrastructure and proximity to transport hubs. Another key consideration for IDA Ireland clients in this context is the ready availability of suitable properties. The Agency therefore requires an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings that can be offered to investors. If the Agency did not have such properties available for investment, it would diminish Ireland’s ability to win mobile FDI, particularly for the regions.

Full details on vacant properties and site visits are available in tabular form and I can arrange for these to be provided to the Deputy.

Site Visits by County in Quarter 1 2017

Vacant Properties – Private Finance and IDA Ireland-owned 2017