There is a skilled workforce in the regions ready and willing to work - now spread the jobs

SIR,

Leading economist Jim Power warns that the Irish economy faces a shortage of skilled workers as unemployment levels fall to 5.1 per cent (Irish Independent, August 3). There are a number of reasons to suggest that that opinion may not be totally accurate.

Ireland now has the most educated and skilled young workforce in Europe at graduate and craft level. Springboard is also providing second chance education for thousands of mature adults in areas of skills shortage.

Secondly, the unemployment rate in the 18-to-25-year age group remains stubbornly high at 12.75 per cent despite the fact that 75 per cent of that age group has post Leaving Cert qualifications. Thirdly, there is a huge deficit in regional development in areas of skilled employment.

Regional Technical Colleges, now called Institutes of Technology, including our own excellent Institute of Technology Tralee, were established to provide a skilled workforce in the regions. In that objective they have succeeded. Unfortunately, job provision continues to be centred in the greater Dublin area. Many people with the employment skills to which Jim Power refers are ready and willing to reinvigorate rural Ireland. They want to put down roots in the regions where the cost of living is affordable and where the quality of life is attractive.

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the agency responsible for inward foreign direct investment into Ireland, has been relatively successful in doing so since its establishment in 1949. Enterprise Ireland, the State agency responsible for aiding indigenous companies, is also in a strong position to support job creation. There is a skilled work force in the regions ready and willing to work. The IDA and Enterprise Ireland must avail of the buoyant economy to spread the skilled jobs throughout the entire country. Yours

Billy Ryle

Spa, Tralee