Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

44. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when construction work will commence on the advanced manufacturing facility at the IDA park in Marlinstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31326/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s 2015-2019 strategy & its current strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021 - 2024. In this regard, the IDA Regional Property Programme is a significant driver of investment in quality building & land solutions in regional locations.

In relation to the particular project raised by the Deputy, IDA Ireland received the final grant of planning permission from Westmeath County Council in December 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces. IDA Ireland have advised my Department that the consequent procurement process is now underway. Furthermore, it is IDA Ireland’s intention to appoint a contractor for the construction of the Advanced Building Solution in Q3 2023 with a view to commencing the development shortly thereafter. The appointment of that contractor will be subject to approval by the IDA Ireland Board as part of its normal procurement policy implementation. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that these implementation dates are contingent on a satisfactory outcome from the public procurement process.