IDA site visits to Mayo last year significantly less than Galway

Only two IDA site visits were conducted in Mayo last year, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar has revealed.

The statistic, which includes both an in-person and e-site visit, will not sit well among those promoting the county as a good place in which to invest and reside.

Although it is one visit more that occurred in 2020 which the country was hardest-hit by Covid lockdown restrictions, it is eight less than the number of visits carried out in 2018.

In comparison, Co. Galway had 31 visits and Co. Sligo had nine. Co. Clare had 20.

When it comes to foreign direct investment, site visits represent a valuable tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas.

There has been much investment in Mayo in recent years to address infrastructural deficiencies, most notably the huge investment in upgrading the N5 roadway between Westport and Turlough.

However, according to the Tanáiste, site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as a significant percentage of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.

He added: "In response to Covid-19, IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. IDA Ireland has developed a suite of digital content which can be accessed by potential investors.

"The agency has developed this further and has put in place an e-site visit experience for potential investors.

"The use of digital platforms by IDA staff has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients and also in hosting E-Site visits with potential new investors.

"Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s new strategy."