Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Martin Heydon, has said that the purchase by the IDA of a strategic site at Littleconnell in Newbridge is a hugely significant jobs opportunity for Newbridge and South Kildare.
“It is reported today that IDA Ireland have completed the purchase of a strategic site beside Pfizer and Lidl at Littleconnell. At 211 acres, the site is big enough for the IDA to develop a business park or to be of interest to a single large foreign multinational manufacturer. Major IDA clients considering investing in the State would be brought straight from the plane to view such a large and desirable development site, according to industry sources.
“To put this state investment in context, the €10m price tag is larger than the total amount spent by the IDA on land acquisition in either 2017 or 2018 when the combined spend was €16.7m.
“This strategic purchase really highlights the potential of this area of Kildare for further job creation given its proximity to Dublin and major transport routes of the M7 and M9. The Government’s investment of €110m in the M7 road widening and the 30m Barrow Abstration Scheme which provides for a secure water supply for Newbridge and South Kildare has made our area an even more attractive location for large multi national employers. Any further developments in this area only strengthens further our case for a second bridge for Newbridge which is badly needed for the town and a key infrastructure project I continue to push for.
“I also continue to liaise with the IDA and Minister with responsibility for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys about their plans for further job creation in Kildare.