IDA Ireland's Mayo visit figures fail to inspire confidence

IDA Ireland organised just five site visits to Mayo by potential investors last year despite the growing clamour for jobs.

It represented an increase of two on the previous year but paled into insignificance compared to the number of visits to Galway (42), Sligo (20) and Clare (18).

The figures in respect of other counties in the region are Leitrim (8), Roscommon (1), Longford (6) and Donegal (7).

There were a total of 638 visits nationally, an increase from 565 in 2015.

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor said it is important to note that data on site visits is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county.

She explained: “This is partly because approximately 70% of all FDI won by IDA Ireland comes from its existing client base rather than from new companies.

“The true level of FDI in Ireland is better measured by reference to IDA Ireland’s record 2016 results.

“The agency’s client companies created just under 19,000 (18,627) jobs during the year across a range of sectors, with every region of Ireland posting nett employment gains.”