Udarás na Gaeltachta has released its annual report, showing what the authority calls "significant progress" in job creation despite the changed economic climate in the latter half of 2007.

Galway's Gaeltacht areas did reasonably well from Udarás assistance during 2007, with 280 full-time jobs created throughout the year. This brings the total employed in Udarás na Gaeltachta-assisted companies in the county to 2,804.

When job losses (965) for 2007 are taken into account, there was an overall net gain of 73 new jobs in the Gaeltacht as a whole.

Galway also benefited from the Udarás policy of developing modern services facilities, multifunctional centres and enterprise units. These include a €2m services and training centre in Tír an Fhia, a €1.7m redevelopment of Ionad Fiontraíochta Ros Muc (for which planning permission is currently being sought) and new office facilities worth €1.4m at An Cheathrú Rua.

Other projects currently in the pipeline are: a redevelopment of the Aran Islands tourist office and a new enterprise centre on Inis Mór; awarding of a contract for a €1.6m multifunctional enterprise centre at Carna Industrial Estate; renovation of the Elcé Teo building in Casla, and; commencement of planning for the development of Ionad an Phiarsaigh visitor centre in Ros Muc.

However, the authority is warning that 2008 will be a difficult year, citing competitiveness in national and international markets intensified during the year.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment