Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
134. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the development of the new IDA site in Drogheda; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9002/23]
View answerThe timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of Multi-National Corporations, or MNCs, remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Recognising that a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects, IDA’s regional property programme, supported by my Department, ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients.
In 2021, IDA Ireland acquired a new landbank at the Mell in Drogheda, Co Louth. This landbank will form part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region to compete for FDI investment. Since acquiring the landbank, IDA has undertaken an infrastructure review with respect to servicing considerations and how to best position the landbank to potential FDI investment opportunities. IDA are finalising the tender pack for the upgrade works which will go to public tender in Q2 this year.
IDA is committed to building an advanced building solution on the new lands as announced in their current Strategy "Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth". This building project is at concept review stage and a multi-disciplinary design team has been appointed by IDA and I am informed that this review is ongoing and progressing well.
Specifically, IDA Ireland and Louth County Council have agreed terms on the transfer of c.7 acres to IDA Ireland. This transfer is currently in a conveyancing process. When the transfer is complete, it will increase the IDA Ireland current land holding to c.46 Acres. IDA Ireland is pleased to have acquired these landbanks enhancing the offering in the Mid-East. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions where they exist.
County Louth is home to 36 IDA Ireland client companies employing 4,485 people. In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies including WUXI, Amazon Web Services Simply NUC, IT Renew, Panasonic Avionics and Becton Dickinson who have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth.
