Nine counties get one IDA visit

The rate of IDA-sponsored visits by potential overseas investors has increased this year over 2012.

However, figures provided by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Richard Bruton show that large swathes of the country continue to be largely ignored by overseas firms.

In the first eight months of this year, the number of IDA-sponsored visits totalled 275 compared to 379 for the whole of 2012.

If the visits maintain the same rate for the remainder of 2013, the IDA is on target to record 412 visits this year by overseas investors.

Dublin accounted for 55% or 152 of all visits this year; however, some counties received little or no overseas visits.

The statistics provided by Mr Bruton, in response to a written parliamentary question lodged by Dara Calleary of Fianna Fáil, show that the only county not to attract any overseas investor visit this year (and in 2012) was Longford.

A number of counties only attracted one visit to date this year — Carlow, Kildare, Kerry, Leitrim, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Wexford and Wicklow.

Areas to record only two visits include Cavan, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth and Mayo. The number of visits to the second most popular county, Cork, totalled 28.

The third most popular county was Limerick, accounting for 20 visits.

Mr Bruton confirmed that only two other counties, Galway (12) and Waterford (13) recorded double figures.

In his written reply, Mr Bruton said: “In order to ensure that Ireland can continue to compete globally for FDI projects, it will be necessary to undertake an in-depth analysis of our FDI strategy with a view to informing the formulation of an appropriate strategy for the period post-2014.

“This analysis, which will be undertaken later this year, will take account of factors, such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI, any changes to the EU’s state aid rules that may be introduced in the near future and our agreed approach to regional development.”

Mr Bruton explained: “As Ireland competes for high-quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population pool, access to qualified talent, world-standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services.”

Mr Calleary said that the figures confirm a two-speed economy.

“The IDA does fantastic work, but it is responsible for creating jobs in not just specific areas, but for the entire country. Proper infrastructure has been put in place in many areas around the country, but there has not been the multinational investment anticipated.”

The Taoiseach’s Enda Kenny and Mr Calleary’s own constituency, Mayo, has attracted only two visits this year and this followed one last year.

Mr Calleary said: “The many Mayo people who returned home from abroad for Sunday’s match only reinforces the lack of an industrial base in the county.”