Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the targets for delivery of IDA supported jobs in County Monaghan for 2023. [53597/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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2021 was a record-breaking year for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment, with total employment in IDA client companies now standing at 275,384, up over 29,000 on 2020. Growth in the regions was particularly buoyant, with 53% or 133 projects of the 249 investments won by IDA going to regional locations. Employment growth was recorded in every region of the country.

Monaghan is marketed by the IDA as part of the wider Border Region, made up of the counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, as well as Monaghan. There are 67 IDA companies in this region who collectively directly employ 8,721 people. There are currently 8 IDA supported companies in Monaghan, employing 430 people.

The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 18% as traditional strengths in sectors such as Engineering & Industrial Technologies and Medical Technologies were complemented by new investments from the Technology, International Financial Services and Life Sciences sectors.

Key to that success is strategic collaboration with national and local stakeholders on the enhancement of the regional value proposition for FDI. In this regard, IDA Ireland welcomes the significant funding that both Cavan and Monaghan have received under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) to date which will further enhance the attractiveness of both counties for FDI.

The existing FDI base of companies in Monaghan enjoys strong collaborative links with several third level colleges including Dundalk Institute of Technology as well as the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

The IDA will target 25 investments for the Border region in the period 2021 to 2024. The Agency will build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a focus on opportunities arising in the sectors of Life Sciences, Technology and Services. The objective will be to take advantage of emerging technologies and business models, including home and hub working. As the Deputy will be aware, IDA Ireland has recently completed the construction of an Advance Building Solution in Monaghan which it is currently actively marketing to potential FDI clients.

I am advised that the IDA has regular engagement with client companies and stakeholders in the County, and throughout 2023 IDA Ireland will continue to market Monaghan and the Border Region through its overseas offices to target mobile FDI opportunities and will arrange corresponding site visits as required.