Written answers
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Industrial Development
Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
19. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the IDA's application for planning permission for a factory on its green-field site at Creagh, Ballinasloe; the expected timeline for approval and any works to make the site investment-ready; and the further steps being planned to attract enterprise investment once permission is secured. [50752/25]
Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
IDA Ireland has continued its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 investment projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments and has set ambitious targets for every region in Ireland, including 100 in the West.
There are 130 IDA Ireland client companies in the West Region, employing 31,334 people. There are 104 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County, employing 24,118 in total. The FDI performance in the West Region has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 14%.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of the West Region and IDA actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through its network of overseas offices. In Galway, IDA has recently completed the construction of a new 50,000 sq.ft. Advance Building Solution which it is currently marketing to potential clients. IDA's Regional Building Programme 2025 - 2029 includes a building in Castlebar, which is at site selection stage and an additional new building in Galway subject to the successful marketing of the existing building and is dependent on planning and procurement outcomes.
IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries. Ballinasloe is marketed as part of the West Region and benefits from its strong strategic location in close proximity to large FDI employers in Galway City, East Galway, and Athlone. IDA Ireland has available lands across the West Region, including in its Business & Technology Park in Ballinasloe and continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply and choice of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
As part of its strategy, IDA has committed to reinstating a previous expired Advance Planning Permit for an Advance Building Solution in Ballinasloe in conjunction with Galway County Council. IDA continues to engage with Galway County Council in respect of the proposed design and site location for the Advance Planning Permit.
No comments