Only one visit has been made by IDA investors to Mayo since November 2008.
That’s according to the Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny who received confirmation of this information in the Dáil by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan.
The single visit took place to the IDA in Ballina and was not followed up. There were no visits to either Westport or Castlebar.
Deputy Kenny said: “I know that visits by potential investors are ultimately determined by the potential investor. However, while the IDA do an excellent job and while I understand the visit structure, there are questions that need to be addressed about the method and extent of promoting locations like those available in Mayo.
“Foreign investment is not going to walk in here on its own. I understand the IDA have a strong profile of potential investment for Ireland but nothing will happen in Mayo unless aggressive promotion of the region and its facilities take place.
“That is why Fine Gael have made no secret of our strategy to give tax breaks on jobs to employers to help protect jobs and create new ones. That is why we have proposed a reduction of PRSI for employers of 20 per cent at the upper rate and 50 per cent at the lower rate. This will assist 175,000 businesses all over the country including Co Mayo and be of benefit to 1.7 million workers.”
Dep Kenny continued: “This €900 million tax cut for jobs will be paid for by a broadening of the tax base to include a carbon tax (€480 million ), a windfall levy on power generators (€200 million ), and the abolition of the PRSI allowance and the ceiling on employees (€470 million ), while leaving €250 million for deficit reduction or other employment measures.
“This is a really positive proposal and I will support the Government if they decide to introduce it as it will protect existing jobs and be of direct assistance in creating others. In the meantime I intend to follow up with the IDA about a stronger marketing of the sites and locations available in Mayo.”
