Mayo had just 11 IDA-sponsored visits in four years

A MAYO TD has expressed disappointment that only three IDA-sponsored site visits by potential investors took place in the county last year.

Deputy Dara Calleary said the fact there were only 11 visits in all from 2012 to 2015 did not reflect favourably on the Fine Gael-led government’s commitment to provide jobs in a county that elected four Fine Gael TDs in 2011.

'These statistics are dreadful and do little to inspire confidence among young people who are forced to emigrate,' he said.

Since 2012, there have been 93 visits in Galway, 39 in Sligo, six in Roscommon and 11 in Leitrim.

'There have been 1,622 visits nationally over the past four years, yet only 11 in Mayo.

'It is something I am very disappointed about because existing multinationals like Hollister, Allergan and Hollister have succeeded very well during their time in Mayo and there is no reason why we cannot attract more foreign investment of that calibre because jobs are certainly badly needed,' he added.