Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the IDA’s plans for its regional property programme for Drogheda and Dundalk in view of the recent announcement in Project Ireland 2040; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16182/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Government is fully committed to the creation of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in County Louth.  The new National Development Plan recognises the importance of Dundalk and Drogheda as key centres in the context of the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor. Both towns are attractive destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) given their track record in attracting multinational companies, the quality of their local infrastructure and their proximity to Dublin and the capital's transport hubs. I am therefore confident that we will be able to sustain and grow investment levels in the area.

There is already a strong base of investment in Louth with 24 IDA client companies employing a total of 3,702 people. The Agency's client base has added 295 FDI further jobs there over the last year alone. The IDA itself is working hard to increase the number of multinational companies with operations in the County.

The IDA's Regional Property Programme (RPP) remains an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to locate in areas outside of Dublin, including Louth. This programme includes the construction of nine new advance facilities around the country, one of which will be located in Dundalk. The Agency is currently selecting a contractor to commence this project, with completion of the building expected in 2019.  

Another element of the RPP involves upgrades to existing business parks and I understand that the IDA has secured advance planning permission for a facility at Dundalk Science and Technology Park. This should help to attract further investment to the area.