Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has questioned the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe, TD, about the level of activity in County Mayo by the Industrial Development Authority. The information provided demonstrates that a total of 343 new jobs have been created by IDA supported companies in the county from 2007 to 2009. On the other hand, only eight site visits took place in the county over the same three year period which works out at fewer than three site visits per year. A total of 19 companies in the county are supported by the IDA employing a total of 2,992 people in permanent employment with a further 498 people in temporary and contract employment.
Deputy Kenny said: “The level of activity by the Industrial Development Authority leaves much to be desired. While I recognise that the decision to visit locations and make the final investment is by the investor themselves, the IDA has the ability to influence the selection of locations for new investment. While they do prioritise the Border, Midlands and West region, the sites that are supported by the IDA must be substantially improved to ensure that visits do take place in the county as it is the only way of increasing investment in the county. The situation regarding foreign direct investment will never be the same again as previously; that is also the reason I have raised the political priority attached to small business and its importance to front bench status with the appointment of Sligo based TD, John Perry. I intend to meet with the IDA personally in the near future and discuss this situation.”
