Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
435. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of the five IDA visits to Laois in 2025 that were virtual, and the number that were physical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14007/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing 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 foreign direct investment projects (FDI) outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of the 1,000 investments targeted over that period.
IDA Ireland utilises a range of strategies to maximise dispersal of FDI nationally. IDA’s regional focus leverages the wider demographic catchment of a region, the track record of existing client companies already located in the region, the presence of third level universities to provide a skilled talent pipeline for companies investing in the region, and the availability of property and developed infrastructure assets. IDA’s regional development strategy and regional investment targets are aligned with Government policy including Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework.
As the Deputy is aware, 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. Through its Regional Property Programme IDA aims to provide agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to clients in advance of demand.
There were six visits to County Laois by the end of 2025, 4 were 'in person' IDA-facilitated visits and 2 were E-visits. It should also be noted that site visits not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of FDI activity in a region or county but are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and naturally, year-on-year, the number of visits to any location will vary.
IDA Ireland continues to collaborate closely with national and local stakeholders to foster the conditions necessary for enterprise, innovation, and job creation in the region. The IDA’s ongoing focus is to build on the strengths of the Midlands, with particular emphasis on high-value manufacturing, services, and research and development opportunities.
I must also stress that, ultimately, individual investors decide which counties to visit, and where to locate their investments.
