€5.2 million investment to create new jobs for Múscraí Gaeltacht
THE success of employment strategies implemented countrywide during 2017 by Údarás na Gaeltachta has been reflected in an increase in job creation during year across the Múscraí Gaeltacht.
In its end of year review Údarás na Gaeltachta revealed that the employment base within Gaeltacht areas had increased for the fifth year in succession, with 630 jobs created during the course of 2017. This represented a net increase of 155 additional jobs, with Údarás client companies supporting some 7,503 full-time and 606 part-time jobs as the year drew to a close.
The review also revealed that planned new approved projects will create additional jobs with investment of €28 million.
The review showed that 34 new jobs were created within the Cork Gaeltacht during 2017, with some 684 full-time positions in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies across the area at the end of the year.
Already, the picture for the Múscraí Gaeltacht during 2018 is looking healthy, with investment totalling €5.2 million in a number of projects given approval during 2017 that will see the creation of 63 new roles over the coming months one they become operational.
It is anticipated that these jobs will be created across the food, manufacturing and services sectors.
Support was also given to Baile Mhic Ire-based Firebird Teo, one of the leading manufacturers of heating products in Ireland and the UK, to research and develop their range of products.
The annual review pointed out that the food and drinks sector in particular had been “very successful” over the past number of years, with companies including Fia Bán, Folláin and others winning prestigious national wards and adding to their already extensive product ranges during 2017.
One Múscraí Gaeltacht company that enjoyed a particularly successful year was Cill na Martra-based Táirgí Cáise Buabhall Mhaigh Chromtha, which has Ireland’s first and only herd of milking water buffalo and produces a range of award-winning cheeses.
“Not only was the owner Johnny Lynch the star of a television advert for Aldi, but the company won the gold award at the World Cheese Awards for the second consecutive year,” read the review.
“With Údarás na Gaeltachta’s support, the company plans to expand considerably, given the success of their product and hopes to double employment within three to four years.”
The review indicated that there were 22 people employed in rural social schemes administered by Údarás na Gaeltachta and funded by the Department of Social Protection at the end of 2017.
Laying out its vision to the year 2020, Údarás na Gaeltachta said its strategy was based on two core principles - “the maintenance and development of the Irish language and the fostering of innovation and employment with a view to enabling Irish speakers to live in the Gaeltacht”.
Údarás said it recognised the issue of Brexit as being one of the biggest challenges Gaeltacht companies will face over the coming years and with this in mind it has been working with those who will be most affected by the issue to ensure they undertake strategic planning so their businesses can remain “as competitive and lean” as possible.