Just two IDA site visits in Laois last year

Only two IDA site visits took place in Laois last year, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke has revealed. 

In a parliamentary question on Wednesday, February 26, Fine Gael TD Willie Aird had asked Minister Burke “the number of IDA site visits to County Laois made in the past twelve months; the specific locations of these visits; the results to date of any such visits, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.” 

The IDA is the State agency tasked with attracting foreign direct investment to locations throughout Ireland. 

Minister Burke revealed that there were two IDA facilitated site visits to Laois in 2024, down from five in 2023. 

“There are 52 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region, comprised of counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford, employing 8,045 people,” Minister Burke said. 

“In Laois, there are five IDA-supported companies employing 145 people. Over recent years, the IDA supported three significant FDI investments in the county. In July 2021 N’Ware Technologies, a Canadian software firm, announced the opening of its new sales and services centre in Mountrath, with the creation of 25 jobs. In July 2020, Greenfield Global officially opened its new €30m EU manufacturing headquarters in Portlaoise, to be supported by 75 employees. In 2018, Barracuda, a U.S. cybersecurity firm based on the IDA Business Park in Portlaoise announced the creation of 30 jobs,” he said. 

Minister Burke highlighted the importance of having suitable sites and property available when attracting new investment. 

“IDA has made considerable investments in land, buildings and infrastructure across the Midlands Region and in 2022 IDA acquired c.18.46 hectares of land adjacent to the Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise and an additional c.4.25 hectares in 2024 with a total of c.29.66 hectares now available for promotion at the Business Park,” he said. 

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“IDA Ireland’s intent 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 and IDA continues to work with clients to market County Laois as an investment location,” said Minister Burke.