Gaeltachts, attract record number of jobs

GAELTACHT regions attracted a record number of new jobs in 1995, according to the Udaras na Gaeltachta annual report.

Employment in Udaras na Gaeltachta assisted companies rose to an all time high of 6,835, an increase of 539 on the previous year. A total of 1,251 new jobs were created, offset by 712 job losses.

The total number of seasonal jobs also increased, rising by 646 to a new record level of 3,940.

The average grant cost per job in 1995 was £9,600, compared to £9,500 in 1994. This reflects capital grants as well as training, employment, research and development grants. New projects approved during the year are projected to create 1,790 jobs, compared to 1,466 in 1994.

However, Mr Ruan O Bric, chief executive of the Udaras, warned that many of the jobs are in low technology sectors and will come under increasing competitive pressures in the years ahead.

"Many face an uncertain and difficult future and the job loss figure of 712 for the year gives cause for concern. During 1995 we have seen business move from Gaeltacht companies to the low cost companies of Eastern Europe. This trend is likely to continue and grow unless Gaeltacht companies can drastically improve their competitiveness.

Mr O Bric also called for the authorities to pay more attention to the Gaeltacht when considering investment in new roads.

"There are no national primary routes through any of the Gaeltacht of and these roads and the other basic transport infrastructure remain bugbears and continue to be impediments to progress.

"It is imperative that the Gaeltacht's needs in this regard be on the agenda of all relevant authorities when infrastructural investment decisions are being taken."