Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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99. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the site selection process for the new advance technology building between the IDA and Mayo County Council will conclude; if he can confirm that this strategic acquired landbank will be used to future-proof zoned service sites for attracting foreign direct investment to the region. [62103/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I was pleased to join the Chair and Interim CEO of IDA for the launch of their annual employment results for 2022 on 12 December, with the announcement of a substantial increase in growth in FDI employment on 2021. The numbers employed in IDA client companies are now at the highest level ever.

The growth in employment in 2022 brought the number of people employed in the FDI sector in Ireland to over 300,000. The results show continued substantial growth in FDI over 2022 despite a difficult global economic environment with over 32,000 new jobs created.

Growth in the regions continued with employment growth recorded in every region of the country, again this year over half of all investments won went to regional locations.

The IDA’s property investment in the regions is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base.

It is essential that the West Region and Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.

IDA Ireland have publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Mayo to support the winning of new investment and job creation.

The site selection process for the new building is well underway. On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. The specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on and subject to the successful outcome of these processes. IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. IDA Ireland has engaged with Mayo County Council on its plans.