CLARE had 20 site visits hosted by the IDA in 2021, according to figures presented to Clare TD Michael McNamara.
In a Parliamentary Question to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, Mr McNamara asked for a breakdown of the number of site visits hosted by the IDA in Clare, Galway and Limerick in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The figures for Clare were 2019 – 28; 2020 – 16 and 2021 – 20. In each year the number for Clare was lower than the two other counties. Clare had 64 visits over the three years while Galway had 98 and Limerick had 120.
The figures includ e-Site visits, which were obviously more practical during the various lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
The written response to the Parliamentary Question also stated, “In response to COVID, IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms during 2020.
“IDA Ireland has developed a suite of digital content which can be accessed by potential investors. The Agency has developed this further and has put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors.
“The use of digital platforms by IDA staff has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients and also in hosting E-Site visits, with potential new investors. As with in person visits, a number of locations can be marketed within an e-visit.
“I am assured that IDA will return to hosting in person site visits in line with all public health guidelines and continue to position all counties, including Galway, Clare and Limerick, for these into 2022 and beyond.
“Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy, Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024.
“IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. IDA will target half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 to regional locations and maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in IDA’s previous strategy for each region of the country.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.