224. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total employment in IDA Client companies in Laois for each of the past five years; and the number of new jobs created in each of the past five years. [66887/26]

Balanced regional development is a key element of the 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, recognising the importance of attracting investment and supporting employment opportunities across all regions of the country.

Over the period of its last strategy, 2021–2024, IDA Ireland supported the delivery of 973 investments and the creation of 76,790 jobs, with 54% of these investments secured in regional locations. The Midlands Region, comprising counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, exceeded its investment target during this period, securing 31 investments against a target of 25.

Under its current strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, IDA Ireland is aiming for 550 of 1,000 new investments to be in regional areas, including 40 in the Midlands. In 2025, the first year of the strategy, IDA Ireland secured a record 323 investments, a 38% increase on 2024. These investments are expected to create more than 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years.

IDA’s strong regional performance has continued in 2026, with 190 investments approved in the first six months of the year, supporting more than 10,400 job approvals. Regional locations accounted for 52% of investments during this period, in line with IDA’s objective of maximising regional growth.

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.

Accordingly, IDA has made considerable investments in land and infrastructure across the Midlands Region, including the acquisition of a landbank in Co. Laois. There are approximately 33ha available for development at the IDA Portlaoise Business & Technology Park, and IDA Ireland is actively marketing this property solution for potential opportunities.

Employment figures for IDA client companies are compiled on an annual basis. The table below sets out, for each of the past five years, the number of jobs in IDA client companies in Co. Laois and the number of new jobs created.

IDA’s focus over the coming years is to build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities across a number of established clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, and Global Business Services. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches to working such as co-working hubs.

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.