Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts being made to promote and attract more industry and business to the IDA site at Drogheda, County Meath. [30212/17]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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38. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her priorities and plans regarding jobs and investment in County Meath. [30213/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 38 together.

As Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, I am fully committed to the creation of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in County Meath. Significant progress has already been made towards achieving the IDA's regional development targets of a 30% to 40% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside Dublin and I am now determined to grow FDI-driven job creation further outside of our main urban areas.

The IDA markets Meath as part of its Mid-East region, which also incorporates Kildare and Wicklow. The wider area is home to 56 multinational companies, 17 of which are located in Meath. The County's proximity to transport hubs and population centres are amongst its key strengths. The IDA is working hard to secure new investment for Meath and it continues to draw the attention of investors to the County.

As regard the business park in Droghda, the IDA is actively marketing the facility to existing and potential clients. Currently the park is home to one Agency client that employs approximately 250 people. The remaining vacant space in the park is suitable for FDI and the IDA is hopeful of securing more investment for it.