Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Flaherty for his important question and the work he is doing in this regard. IDA Ireland’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of IDA Ireland, as well as Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise offices. Indeed, the availability of property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multinational companies remains essential to winning foreign direct investment.

In this regard, IDA Ireland has committed to build an advance building solution in Longford to support the winning of new investments and job creation. To this end, IDA Ireland continues to liaise with Longford County Council, as well as wider stakeholders, to seek a suitable site and the site identification process remains commercially sensitive until a land acquisition has been concluded. In addition, the specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on the many factors impacting on timelines for the delivery of any construction project. However, I can assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland is using its best endeavours to deliver the building in Longford in a timely manner having regard to the normal market dynamics.

Deputy Flaherty quite rightly points out so many good companies in the midlands region, particularly in Longford, that are doing particularly well. I can assure the Deputy I am giving this very high priority that they get a site secured in Longford. It is commercially sensitive because the State has to be careful when it is purchasing land in the region. I assure the Deputy that, working with him, we will deliver that site. Hopefully, we will have an announcement shortly in respect of it.

There are approximately 1,800 people employed in Longford through IDA Ireland-backed companies which is very important to the region. There are 51 IDA Ireland clients in the midlands providing approximately 8,000 jobs. They are very valued. We need high-quality jobs like those.

I was privileged to open the extension to Avery Dennison in 2018. That is a very important employer, as well as Abbott and Technimark, which has seen significant investment over the recent months as well.

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