Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the availability of appropriate, innovative, and cost-effective property solutions that meet the needs of multinational companies at the forefront of a modern economy remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects.

The IDA Regional Property Programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and essential infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of IDA as well as those of Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. Under its current strategy, ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024’, IDA is progressing delivery of 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) in regional locations.

Eight properties have been completed since the start of the current strategy, in Monaghan, Sligo, Dundalk, 2 in Limerick, Carlow, Waterford and Athlone. A further 5 buildings are anticipated to be on site in 2024 including the advanced manufacturing factory at Marlinstown Business Park, Mullingar.

I am further advised that IDA Ireland secured planning permission from Westmeath County Council in November 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces which also included a vehicular/pedestrian entrance, signage, new timber post-and-rail boundaries, car parking, cycle shelters, landscaping, gas skid, underground storage tank, independent ESB substation & switch room building, access road and all associated site works. IDA Ireland subsequently commenced the procurement process for the selection of a suitably qualified contractor to complete the development. However, the tender process is the subject of judicial review proceedings and, therefore, IDA Ireland cannot comment further until those proceedings are resolved.

More generally. many factors impact on timelines for the delivery of construction projects and the construction industry continues to be impacted by global supply chain and cost inflation challenges. Despite these challenges and the impacts on both works & budgets, IDA’s Property Division has maintained momentum on the delivery of its Regional Property Programme and is committed to the timely delivery of a building solution in Mullingar.