9. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of investments IDA Ireland is targeting in the west under its current strategy; its performance in investments in the west under the previous strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50584/25]

Sentiment score: 0.03

The work of IDA Ireland cannot be underestimated. It has a proven, serious track record of delivery right across the country and of bringing in business and creating jobs. Under the current strategy, how has IDA Ireland performed in the west of Ireland, what is the plan for the future and where are we going from here? Ultimately, it is vital that we make a success of the west. I would appreciate it if the Minister could speak to IDA Ireland’s performance under its strategy.

Sentiment score: 0.31

Over 31,000 people are employed by IDA companies in the west of Ireland, as the Minister outlined. I welcome the fact that the ambition is going up, from 76-IDA backed investments in the last plan to a target of 100 investments over the lifetime of this strategy. I welcome the publication of the strategy. I attended the opening of the Medical Technology Ireland conference yesterday in Galway and saw for myself the talent, business and enterprise that was ongoing in the Galway medtech ecosphere. It is vital that we continue to support that. Over the last 20 or 30 years, we have built expertise, facilities and such a successful ecosystem, including relationships between the universities and businesses. Does the Minister have any plans to continue to support that and what will that support look like?

Sentiment score: 0.48

I really welcome that and I assure the Minister that, when he goes to Cabinet with that memo, he will have my full support. We must make sure that site is unlocked and the potential is realised. What is notable about that semiconductor site, adjacent to Oranmore, is its scale. It is going to be huge and the impact will secure the future of the west of Ireland for the next 20, 30 or 40 years. Something like the advance planning permit that the Minister mentioned in his reply is vital. I saw the success of Dexcom in Athenry. It had such a smooth run through the planning system. There was not one local objection and there was collegiality with Galway County Council. There was an understanding there. The council did its job and attached 58 conditions to the development but it got planning permission in eight weeks. That development will provide 1,000 jobs in Athenry, which is an absolutely huge investment. The Minister's idea of preplanning permits so that we can have a general outline of the site's potential will be needed at the Oranmore site. Work should begin on that immediately, alongside the Minister's proposal for a €3.2 billion infrastructure package that will not only secure that site, but secure the future of Galway as well.

Sentiment score: 0.24