Planning application for new IDA office space a boost to Waterford – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news that the IDA has submitted a planning application with Waterford County Council for the development of new offices that will total 25,000 square feet. This new development will be situated in the IDA Business and Technology Park in Butlerstown, Co Waterford.

“This is a progressive and positive step by the IDA in Waterford and the South East Region. This development will help to attract Foreign Direct Investment to the region when these state-of-the-art facilities are completed. This project shows a further commitment to Waterford from the IDA in their pursuit of attracting investment to the South East.

“This development will consist of an advanced technology building of 2,348 square metres, part two storey and part double height single storey, with associated car parking, delivery yard, landscaping, site services and sundry related works. The building drawings can be viewed on the County Council’s website once verified by its Planning Department.

“We have seen a renewed focus on Waterford from the IDA in the last year with site visits more than doubling to 23, compared to just 11 visits being carried out in 2011. It has been deeply frustrating that no IDA backed company has announced new jobs in Waterford for some time; however this proposal will show that high quality office spaces are available in Waterford and that this will, hopefully, lead to new investment.

“I have been calling for some time for the IDA to make a renewed effort in Waterford and I am pleased that my requests are being heard and that steps are being taken to expand the amount of high quality office space available. The IDA must continue a sustained effort to attract jobs to this region, which has been neglected for some time.

“I am hopeful that these efforts by the IDA will lead to new jobs and new investments in Waterford and improve the unemployment situation that is the most severe in the State. Given the importance of this project, I hope that Waterford County Council will process this application as quickly as possible.”