Kildare one of the most visited counties by the Irish Development Agency as foreign investors loom

The prospect of investing in Kildare for foreign companies has never been greater, and it seems that the Irish Development Agency sees it that way too.

The IDA released figures earlier this week to state how many times they have visited each county in the first quarter of this year, and there are only five other counties that have been visited more often than the Lily county.

The IDA, which helps to organise business investment in certain areas, have came to Kildare five times in the first three months, although there are some counties that have been left behind altogether. Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Monaghan and Roscommon have not received a visit at all, while more than half of the counties in the country have received two or less visits.

The IDA have a statement on their website which outlines how they aim to aid investment in areas all over Ireland, and the partnership with third level institutions is a key factor. That makes the ignoring of Carlow harder to fathom.

"A key function of IDA Ireland is facilitating introductions to peer companies and industry groups. We also make connections between companies and third-level institutions and research centres to ensure the necessary skills, experience and research capabilities exist to drive their business," reads the statement.

Many opposition party members have been quick to slam the figures, stating that the government are 'engaging in a form of economic apartheid when it comes to Rural Ireland', according to Fianna Fáil jobs spokesman Niall Collins.

Dublin received the most visits of any county, 57, while Cork came next with 11, Galway received 10 visits, and the IDA visited Westmeath and Galway on nine occasions.