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 A total of 734 new jobs were created in Gaeltacht enterprises in 2011, a similar level to that of the previous year.
The most encouraging trend is the slowdown in job losses. The number of jobs lost over the past year is at a significantly lower level than that experienced over the last number of years, with a 40 per cent decrease in the number of jobs lost in 2011 compared to 2009.
New projects with total investment of 21m approved
Notwithstanding the challenging economic business environment and reduced funding available from the exchequer, Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved projects which will involve an overall projected investment of €21m in Gaeltacht companies and are expected to create some 700 jobs when up and running.
Social employment schemes
Údarás na Gaeltachta manages and administers a number of social employment schemes in the Gaeltacht. These include the Community Employment Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme, Tús and the Jobs Initiative, which are funded by the Department of Social Protection. In 2011, these social employment schemes employed over 900 participants, 47 supervisors in 46 schemes throughout the Gaeltacht, and provided €15m in income and materials to the local economy. In addition to providing work experience and training for the participants, these schemes play an important role in providing services and facilitating community development throughout the Gaeltacht.
Enterprise strategy for 2012
During 2012, Údarás will focus its enterprise strategy on supporting its existing client base, seeking further investment from new and current clients, and supporting natural resource-based enterprises such as aquaculture, tourism, forestry, etc. Údarás will concentrate on replacing the employment lost in certain areas over the last number of years and begin to grow overall employment numbers in the Gaeltacht to previous levels. Article courtesy of GalwayAdvertiser.ie
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