Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created in County Mayo with the assistance of the Industrial Development Authority; the level of activity or interest that has been expressed in County Mayo by clients of the authority; if he will provide these results for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28908/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forfás Annual Employment Survey shows that in the 3 year period 2007 to 2009, inclusive, a total of 343 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Mayo. Details of the number of new jobs created in each of those years is set out in the statement.

IDA Ireland recognises the need to provide high value employment opportunities in county Mayo, which provide sustainable long-term jobs. IDA Ireland's strategies have proved successful, despite the difficult and ever changing global economy and at present there are 19 IDA supported companies in Mayo employing 2,992 people in permanent employment and a further 498 in temporary and contract employment, across a range of sectors.

In addition to marketing the county for new inward investment through its network of overseas offices, IDA also works with the existing client base in the county, encouraging them to grow and expand their operations there. As part of its strategy to attract inward investment, IDA Ireland introduces a prospective client company to 3 or 4 selected locations, which can meet the company's requirements for skills, labour, site and/or buildings, and infrastructure. In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures and job losses and also gives priority to the Border, Midlands and West regions.

In the three-year period 2007 to 2009, there have been a total of 8 such site visits, by potential investors, to County Mayo. While IDA seeks to influence the selection of locations for new investment, the final decision as to where to visit and where to locate lies with the investor.

Table showing the number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Mayo in each of the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive