Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the IDA commitment to deliver an advanced building solution in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/22]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Regional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. Under this Strategy, the IDA is targeting half of all investments to regional locations which aligns with the objectives of the Programme for Government.

Specifically, the IDA is targeting 25 investments for the Midlands region, which includes Longford, in the period 2021 to 2024. Longford is already home to 6 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing more than 1,310 people and has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors, with strengths in Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business Services, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.

The timely provision of appropriate, innovative, and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions that meet the needs of Multi-National Companies remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment. In a competitive and uncertain global environment IDA’s regional property programme, supported by my Department, ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and EI.

Over the course of IDA Ireland’s current strategy, the Agency will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions across the country, including in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar. The planned building solutions have a geographical spread in line with the National Planning Framework, and also a particular emphasis on the Border and Midlands regions, reflecting IDA's strategic focus on supporting the necessary conditions to attract Foreign Direct Investment into regions of significant economic need.

With regard to the building in Longford, IDA Ireland have advised me that the site selection process is ongoing, and they continue to liaise with Longford County Council and wider stakeholders to seek a suitable site for the proposed Advance Building Solution.