Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the means by which his Department intends to support Athlone’s continued growth as a key regional centre of innovation and employment; and whether consideration is being given to enabling or streamlining the use of compulsory purchase orders by local authorities where necessary to facilitate strategic urban development in pursuit of future city status. [62291/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I continue to emphasise the importance of regional development and the role of my department’s agencies in driving economic growth and employment in the regions. Earlier this year, Enterprise Ireland launched its new strategy “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025–2029)”. This strategy prioritises regional enterprise development, innovation, and sustainability and building the capability of Irish companies to grow in world markets. Over 60 percent of all EI client company employment is outside Dublin.

As of 2024 there were 3,269 employed in EI client companies based in Westmeath, an increase of 1.1 % on the 3,234 people employed in 2023. From 2020 to 2024, EI approved €66 million in the midland’s region in funding for enterprise and related activities in the region. €47 million went directly to enterprise development.

Since 2019, the Regional Technology Clustering Fund has supported 12 clusters across Technological University campuses nationwide, with a total investment of €10.18 million. Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) is one of these clusters, based at TUS Athlone Campus. The cluster is an Industry-led initiative focused on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in Ireland’s manufacturing sector. The cluster has 94 industry members from the Midlands (with 100 members in total) 62 Enterprise Ireland client companies, 10 IDA Ireland clients, 14 Local Enterprise Office (LEO) clients and 8 Údarás na Gaeltachta clients

The 2025 New Frontiers programme for the Midlands & Mid-East Region, funded by Enterprise Ireland to support local start-ups, attracted 103 participants this year in Phase 1, of which 14 were selected to progress to Phase 2 from October. The programme supports high potential start-up from the Midlands & Mid-East counties with mentoring, hot-desk space and a €15,000 stipend to allow exploration of their new business idea. The country has a strong country-wide infrastructure of innovation hubs and research centres, industry clusters, the finance and investment communities, and mentoring networks to support enterprise development across all regions and sectors

The Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) based in Westmeath is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of operations research, training, and consultancy services to Industry. This centre has received support of over €2m through the REDF fund, with the aim to develop and commercialise next generation manufacturing technologies, deemed critical by Irish companies, through a collaborative industrial engagement business model.

The Midlands REP covers Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly and was launched in 2022. It works to leverage the established strengths of the region in relation to transitioning to a net zero carbon economy, smart specialisation and digitalisation, and placemaking. It is overseen and monitored by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from the public and private sector.

There are 52 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region, employing 8,045 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 26%.

Athlone is the Midlands Regional Growth Centre, as outlined in the National Planning Framework and the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Regional growth centres are towns designated for targeted development to drive economic activity and population growth within a specific region. In 2023, an Economic Strategy for Athlone was launched jointly by Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils. The purpose was to inform Westmeath and Roscommon County Council’s preparation of a joint strategy for the future development of Athlone up to the year 2040. It aims to capitalise on Athlone’s central location by creating a destination capable of attracting high quality talent, investors, businesses, and tourists to the town, supported by key stakeholders in the town and surrounding region.

By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, my Department aims to create a more resilient and competitive business environment in the midlands region.

Proposals to streamline the use of compulsory purchase orders are outside the remit of my Department. I am aware that the Compulsory Purchase Order Bill 2025 is currently at second stage in Dáil Éireann.