Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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333. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-sponsored client visits to the IDA land at Ballingarrane, Clonmel for the calendar years 2023 and 2024; the steps the IDA will take to find an enterprise for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9049/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs.

IDA Ireland in partnership with Tipperary County Council have lodged planning for a proposed 10,000 sq.m. Advanced Building Solution on a site area of approx. 3.4 hectares (approx. 8.4 acres) at Ballingarrane Science and Technology Park, Clonmmel, Co. Tipperary. This application is currently going through the planning process. In the meantime, IDA Ireland continues to market the site and proposed planning permission at Ballingarrane to potential new and existing investors through their network of overseas and regional offices. In this regard IDA, together with Tipperary County Council, have prepared and shared marketing materials such as a brochure and promotional video via the IDA Ireland website.

In relation to specific site visits, data on site visits is available on a county basis and as requested by the Deputy, the number of IDA facilitated visits to County Tipperary throughout 2023 and 2024 is set out in tabular form below:

It should be noted, however, that IDA site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. For example, 70% of FDI won by IDA Ireland in 2024 came from its existing client base, rather than new companies. Also, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures given, therefore, represent individual visits and are not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.

It should also be noted that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client, and not by IDA Ireland, and it can take many years to convert from initial site visit to final project proposal. Regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders are important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and, in this respect, IDA Ireland continues to engage with stakeholders as well as working with existing clients in all regional locations to generate additional employment.