Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA Ireland site visits to County Kerry in quarter 2 of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40393/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland staff across the globe are conscious of the importance and impact of winning investments to locations such as Kerry and other regional locations.

IDA Ireland is operating in a very challenging environment over the past 16 months with little or no international travel globally as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. The organisation has been operating virtually and hosting companies on virtual site visits with some successes during this time.

IDA Ireland is committed to winning opportunities for Kerry and the following points highlight this continued focus:

IDA Ireland Strategy 2021-2024 launched in January 2021 which again commits the organisation to winning new investments for every region of Ireland.

The Strategy contains a target of 800 investments for Ireland over the period, 400 of which will be outside Dublin. In addition, each region has its own individual target over the strategy with the South West Region (Kerry & Cork) having the largest target of any region outside Dublin of 118 investments.

A strong focus on supporting existing companies already in Ireland to minimise downsizings or closures. Some industry sectors are performing well while others have been impacted significantly as a result of the pandemic and/or a downturn on certain markets served by IDA client companies.

IDA Ireland has again publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Tralee to support winning a new investment. The site selection process is underway on this. While it will take time to secure planning permission and construct the building, it is a strong statement of continued commitment to Kerry to support the winning of new investments.

The closure of Borg Warner has been a disappointment to the town and the individual employees impacted by the decision. IDA continues to market the facility and the potential availability of experienced and skilled former employees for new potential investments as they emerge.

IDA continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business utilising virtual site visits as opposed to physically visiting the county. In Q2, 2021, IDA Ireland hosted a virtual site visit showcasing Kerry for a potential investment. IDA will continue to position Kerry for virtual site visits over the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up to date position regarding the location of a company (details supplied) to the IDA Ireland advance facility in Tralee, County Kerry; if a timeline in relation to future activities and employment levels at the facility will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40394/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Central Pharma announced in December 2018 plans to establish an EMEA accredited contract packaging and supply centre at the IDA’s Advanced Technology Building in Tralee.

I understand that the company has subsequently experienced delays in progressing their plans in part due to Covid-19 restrictions which have delayed work on the site. However, I understand that once regulatory approvals have been received Central Pharma will be ready to commence operations.

The IDA has informed me that the company has already started to recruit key staff, and this will be followed by further hires. The company remains committed to its plans for the site.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further advance facilities will be considered in respect of County Kerry in view of the relatively poor performance of the county in relation to foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40395/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland staff across the globe are conscious of the importance and impact of winning investments to locations such as Kerry and other regional locations.

The IDA Ireland Strategy 2021-2024 includes a commitment to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Tralee. The site selection process is already underway for this building. While it will take time to secure planning permission and construct the building, it is a strong statement of continued commitment to Kerry to support the winning of new investments.

IDA Ireland’s Strategy 2021-2024 sets a target of 800 investments for Ireland over the period, 400 of which will be outside Dublin. Each region has its own individual target over the strategy, with the South West Region (Kerry and Cork) having the largest target of any region outside Dublin of 118 investments.

IDA Ireland is operating in a very challenging environment over the past 18 months with little or no international travel globally as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. However, IDA continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business, utilising virtual site visits as opposed to physical site visits. In June 2021, IDA Ireland organised a virtual site visit for a US company showcasing Kerry for a potential project. IDA will continue to position Kerry for more of these virtual site visits over the rest of 2021.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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39. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if interest has been expressed by any potential investors in relation to a site registered with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA (details supplied); if so, if he will provide details of the inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40396/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The property mentioned is not under the ownership of IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland. However, the IDA has included it in its suite of property marketing material for clients looking at this location. The IDA has not been made aware of any potential project for the facility. Enterprise Ireland will also continue to market this location as a potential site in the Kerry region.