Údarás created just 33 jobs in 12 years - Ring

ÚdarΡs created just 33 jobs in 12 years - Ring


Anton McNulty

ÚdarΡs na Gaeltachta have created just three Gaeltacht jobs a year since 1997 despite spending €243m on job creation according to Mayo TD, Michael Ring.
The former Fine Gael spokesperson on Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs said that just 33 net jobs were created since 1997.
He said the Government spent €243m on ÚdarΡs na Gaeltachta capital grants for job creation initiatives between 1997 and 2009 leading to the creation of 13,763 jobs. However he said 13,730 jobs were lost in the same period so that the net number of jobs in Gaeltacht areas was 33, less than three a year.
“It’s quite clear that the Government is continuing to pursue a strategy which hasn’t worked and it’s time for some fresh thinking in order to create sustainable jobs in Gaeltacht areas. The fact is the Government has failed to put the right infrastructure in place in Gaeltacht regions to encourage sustainable job creation.
“Fine Gael’s NewERA plan will overhaul broadband, water and energy infrastructure in the country, harnessing the potential of our natural resources and Gaeltacht regions,” he said.