Midlands region omitted from Government's new industrial site strategy

A major Government announcement last week, of a plan to invest in the development of key sites across the country for the creation of large-scale manufacturing jobs, has bypassed the entire Midlands region.

Three Next Generation Sites (NGS) are to be developed in the West, East and South of the country over the next 15 years, according to the announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Minister and Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke, as part of a key 'Programme for Government' commitment.

The three sites, which will be in the range of 500 to 1,00 acres each, are to be used to attract “the next wave of large-scale high-value manufacturing investments” according to the Department.

The development of the sites is being led by the Department of Enterprise and IDA Ireland in collaboration with various State agencies and utility providers and will require a “whole-of-Government approach” with that process already underway.

Minister Burke described the three Next Generation sites in the West, East and South of the country as being “critical infrastructure projects” aimed at “providing certainty to investors” who wish to establish “a sizeable operation” in Ireland.

“By preparing these sites in advance, we reduce risk and accelerate decision-making for investors thereby enhancing Ireland’s FDI Value Proposition” added the Minister.

Three main sectors are to be targeted by the Next Generation sites – semiconductors, lifesciences and the green energy sector, in particular – and Minister Burke pointed out that all of these sectors provide “quality and skilled employment, pay high salaries and contribute to Ireland's tax receipts.”

The Minister said the development of these key sites represents “a new vision” in Ireland's determination and ambition to compete for “the next wave of international investment”

The potential location of the three Next Generation Sites – each of which will be chosen by IDA Ireland – will not be made public “to protect the integrity of negotiations and future acquisitions” and among the criteria being used to assess each site is its ability to connect efficiently to energy, transport, and water networks, and for its proximity to talent, third-level institutions, and supply chains.

No mention is made in the press statement of any plans to develop a Next Generation Site by the Department of Enterise and IDA Ireland at any location in the Midlands region.