1017. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1058 of 28 July 2026, when the IDA expects to break ground or begin visible development on the land referred to in the PQ response; whether it is anticipated it will happen within the next six years; when the necessary planning permission is likely to be lodged; whether plans or designs have been drafted for the required new roads and utility infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60105/26]

Balanced regional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA prioritises balanced regional development, aiming for 550 of 1000 new investments targeted under its current strategy Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29 to be in regional areas.

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. A core objective of IDA Ireland, through its Regional Property Programme, is to enable, influence and deliver a competitive property offering that supports national economic investment, attracts FDI, and facilitates the growth and expansion of indigenous enterprise within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. In support of this objective, IDA Ireland keeps its landholdings under continual review and, where appropriate, partners with the private sector and Local Authorities to deliver competitive property solutions in regional locations.

I am informed by IDA Ireland that it is currently reviewing its overall strategy for development of the landbank at Killally, Dundalk, in line with potential longer-term requirements for both IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients to ensure maximum flexibility in the development of the land bank. Development of the site will likely be progressed on phased basis including the delivery of advance infrastructure required to bring the lands forward for future enterprise development. All elements of this process will be subject to public procurement requirements and the securing of the necessary statutory planning permissions.

Under its Regional Property Programme 2025–2029, IDA is aiming to complete 6 buildings from the previous strategy cycle including an advance Building solution in Drogheda, for which planning permission has recently been granted. Additionally, 6 new builds will commence during the strategy subject to successful, planning and procurement phases including a building in Dundalk.

I can assure you that I remain committed to driving a competitive, resilient and sustainable economy that supports enterprise, tourism and employment across all of Ireland’s regions.