The IDA says it is confident about the economy and future investment in Co Louth by overseas companies.
As a result of this optimism, the government agency has already secured planning permission for three so-called advance units at its Drogheda Business Park. In addition to this, it has applied for planning permission for two advanced units and three office units in Dundalk.
"We are marketing Louth as part of the BMW [border, midlands and west] region and, although this is a difficult time and climate, as that climate changes we are confident that we will see changes and dividends," said Mr Pat Doherty, north-east regional manager with the IDA.
The agency has already committed itself to securing 50 per cent of all new inward investment into the Republic for the BMW region.
In Dundalk, which has seen a number of major employers either close down completely or reduce workforce numbers in the past 18 months, the IDA has applied for planning permission to demolish a number of buildings on a 110-acres site adjacent to the Xerox complex.
Mr Doherty confirmed that the organisation wants to secure planning permission for the construction three office units of 30,000 sq ft and two advanced units of 25,000 sq ft.
The IDA will then go to the private sector and, as has been done in Drogheda, seek tenders from contractors to develop the units.
"This is a show of confidence and we feel it is necessary to continue to market Dundalk and Drogheda," Mr Doherty added.