Vacant plots to cost IDA extra €85.2m

THE IDA is set to pay out close to €85.2 million more on leases on seven vacant properties which have been idle in Waterford for up to eight years, it has emerged.

It has prompted renewed claims by a local TD that the overseas investment agency is not doing enough to promote the city and county to would-be international investors.

Area director for the south Brian Conroy said the IDA is actively promoting Waterford at every possible opportunity. Its records show that there have been six visits to Dungarvan in the past four years, three of these since April 2005 when job cuts were confirmed at Waterford Crystal.