IDA purchases land for new Business & Technology Park in Tullamore

A new IDA Business & Technology Park is in the pipeline for Offaly after the IDA announced that is secured, with the support of Offaly County Council, a c.26-hectare landbank in Tullamore.

The IDA said the land would be for the proposed development of a new IDA Ireland Business & Technology Park.

"This acquisition is aligned to IDA Ireland’s core objective to enable and deliver a competitive property offering which supports balanced regional economic investments, winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and the growth and expansion of indigenous clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio," it said.

IDA Ireland’s current strategy Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29, outlines the policy of partnering with local authorities for the delivery of advance planning permits for buildings in regional locations.

"This site acquisition in Tullamore, Co Offaly, will enable the advancement of the building design, in partnership with Offaly County Council and subject to the statutory planning process, during the lifetime of the IDA Ireland strategy.

"This targeted approach to forward planning is vital in providing certainty for potential investors and to ensuring we have a competitive offering that meets the evolving needs of both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland clients.

The news has met with a warm welcome today.

Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack welcomed the announcement as “a significant milestone for Tullamore, Offaly and the wider Midlands region".

Fine Gael's Deputy John Clendennen said it represents “a significant step forward for Tullamore and the wider county, and a strong vote of confidence in Offaly as a key driver of economic development in the Midlands.”

Independent TD Carol Nolan said the news was particularly welcome as she had only recently appealed for enhanced supports for Offaly County Council in the context of the wider economic pressures facing Offaly.

Deputy McCormack emphasised that the delivery of a new IDA park in Tullamore was a core commitment of his election campaign, and that since being elected he has been working closely with IDA Ireland, Offaly County Council, and Government to progress the project.

“This announcement represents a huge step forward,” he said. “Securing an IDA Business & Technology Park in Tullamore has been one of my key priorities. A modern, fully serviced business and technology campus is essential to attracting new foreign direct investment and supporting the growth of innovative indigenous companies. Today’s development shows clear confidence in Offaly’s potential as a driver of economic opportunity in the Midlands.”

Deputy McCormack acknowledged the work of Offaly County Council and welcomed the strong partnership approach that has helped bring the project to this important stage.

He also noted that the proposed development will proceed through the statutory planning process, adding:

“While there is more work ahead, this acquisition gives us real momentum. It sends a clear message to potential investors that Offaly is ready, ambitious, and open for business. I will continue working at Government level to secure further investment opportunities and ensure that Offaly receives the economic supports and infrastructure it needs to thrive.”

IDA Ireland has stated that the Tullamore landbank will allow for the advancement of building designs during the lifetime of its 2025–2029 strategy, supporting balanced regional development and enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting high-value investment.

Deputy McCormack concluded: “This is incredibly positive news for workers, families and communities across Offaly. I look forward to continuing to drive this project forward and to delivering further progress for our county.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Clendennen said: “I have consistently raised the need for improved investment readiness for Offaly in the Dáil, and I have met with executives from both Offaly County Council and the IDA to emphasise the importance of having the right strategic sites available to attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI),” Deputy Clendennen said.

“Today’s announcement is an important step, and we must continue to focus not only on attracting new FDI to the county, but also on ensuring we create the conditions for local enterprise to develop and grow in towns and communities right across Offaly.”

Deputy Clendennen also acknowledged the ongoing work of Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, whose focus on balanced regional development has helped progress strategic initiatives such as this one.

“This is a landmark moment that demonstrates real belief in what Tullamore and County Offaly have to offer,” Clendennen said. “The commitment shown by IDA Ireland, Offaly County Council, and Minister Burke in advancing regional economic opportunities is clearly reflected in today’s announcement. Securing this land positions Offaly to attract new investment, support existing enterprise, and generate high-quality jobs.

“Today is a very positive day for Tullamore and for Offaly. I look forward to continued engagement with the IDA, Offaly County Council and Minister Burke as plans progress.”

Deputy Carol Nolan said: “I am delighted to welcome any development that will improve the job creation potential for Offaly and support balanced regional economic investments. As I understand it from my communication with the Council the site will also assist in winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and the growth and expansion of indigenous clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio."

“Offaly has borne the brunt of the economic impact of the Just Transition and therefore it is only right and proper that the infrastructure is in place to enable a long-term strategy for growth. Hopefully, we can see this acquisition deliver jobs on the ground as soon as possible,” Deputy Nolan concluded.