Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

75. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when decisions are likely to be made in relation to the identification of suitable sites as locations for the establishment of data centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43144/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

76. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if centres (details supplied) have been given further consideration in respect of the location of inward investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43145/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.

Earlier this year, IDA Ireland sought submissions from suitable consultants to undertake a study to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be particularly suitable to accommodate the sustainable development of large scale Data Centre projects. Following this process Jacobs Engineering, supporting by AOS Planning, were appointed to produce this report.

The study, being undertaken to ensure that Ireland continues to be best placed and future proofed to compete for, win and sustain mobile data centre investments of scale, is now approaching its final stages.  The study will evaluate all potentially viable property options nationally, including site availability in Cavan, that are supported by the necessary infrastructure and are compatible in meeting the complex and ever evolving needs of data centre investments.

Over recent years, leading international technology and computing companies have announced significant data centre investments for Ireland and the goal is to ensure that this trend continues. The analysis being undertaken should support those efforts. IDA Ireland, supported by the relevant key stakeholders, will continue to highlight credible and flexible property solutions that form part of the competitive value proposition for this sector.

More broadly, the IDA continues to market County Cavan to relevant FDI opportunities, enquiries and potential investors through our IDA overseas network. IDA Ireland will continue to encourage potential investors to locate in Cavan and in the wider border area.