John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies which the IDA has brought to County Mayo since the beginning of 2006; the type of business in which they are engaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11172/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.

I have been informed by the Agency that, from 2006 to date in 2009 there have been a total of seven first time visits by prospective investors to Co Mayo and one return visit. These investors represented the medical technologies, ICT, International Service and pharmaceuticals sectors. To date, no investment has resulted from these visits. However, there is often a lengthy gap between the visit and a decision to locate a project.

While IDA Ireland can and does encourage clients to visit particular locations, the final decision on where to visit or locate is taken in all cases by the clients.