O’Shea Welcomes IDA ‘Next Generation’ Sites – Calls for Cork to Be Chosen as Southern Location

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD that IDA Ireland plans to develop three major ‘next generation’ industrial sites across the country, including one in the South, and has said Cork would be the ideal location for this strategically important investment.

Deputy O’Shea said the initiative represents a significant step forward in Ireland’s industrial and regional development strategy, ensuring the country remains competitive in attracting large-scale, high-value foreign direct investment.

“These next generation sites are about future-proofing Ireland’s economy,” Deputy O’Shea said. “They are designed to attract the next wave of major investment in sectors such as semiconductors and life sciences — sectors that will underpin high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth.”

According to the Minister’s reply to a Parliamentary Question table by Deputy O’Shea, the IDA intends to develop three very large industrial land banks — one each in the West, East and South — with sites ranging from 500 to 1,000 acres. These sites will be fully master-planned and pre-permitted, with clear access to critical infrastructure such as power, water, gas and transport links.

With €100 million allocated for the development of three Next Generation FDI sites, and with progress already underway on sites in the East and West of the country, Deputy O’Shea said it is critical that the third planned site is located in the Cork region. He said Cork’s varied industrial ecosystem, highly skilled workforce and strong existing infrastructure make it ideally placed to support further economic growth and to attract investment in both new and established industries.

Deputy O’Shea said Cork is uniquely positioned to host the southern site. “Cork already has a proven track record in attracting and sustaining world-class multinational investment, supported by a strong skills base, third-level institutions, port and airport connectivity, and an established industrial ecosystem. Locating the southern next generation site in Cork would build on these strengths and deliver real, balanced regional development.”

He added that the scale and ambition of the proposal reflects the reality that future foreign direct investment will not be secured on yesterday’s terms. “Global competition for mobile investment has intensified significantly. Ireland must offer certainty, speed and scale. These sites do exactly that by reducing risk for investors and accelerating decision-making, which is essential in today’s fast-moving international environment.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the commitment to a whole-of-Government approach, with IDA Ireland working closely with local authorities, utility providers and transport agencies to bring the sites to market efficiently. “This is a long-term, plan-led investment that will take several years to deliver, but it is the right approach. I will continue to strongly advocate for Cork to be selected as the southern location, given its strategic importance to the national economy and its capacity to deliver for Ireland.”