Donegal report highlights need for education and training

The need for education and training among Donegal's workforce has been stressed by an interdepartmental group set up following job losses in the county.

Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin yesterday published the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Donegal set up at the request of the Government last September following a number of major job losses in the county.

The group focused on the progress being made on infrastructural requirements for enterprise creation.

The report notes that the county has a substantial labour force available to prospective employers. "However, there is a need to convince the young population, and the unemployed of the county, of the importance of education and training," the report adds.

"They must take maximum advantage of any educational and upskilling opportunities available to them through the education and Fás systems, as well as the support mechanisms provided through the Department of Social and Family Affairs."

The report also emphasises the importance of cross-Border co-operation.

Commenting on the report, Mr Martin said he believed the group had started a number of important initiatives that might not otherwise have got underway.

"Co Donegal has no shortage of advantages and opportunities insofar as the promise of a brighter future for its inhabitants is concerned.

"There is a dynamic combination of State development agencies active in Co Donegal who are committed to enhancing the attractiveness of the county for business.

"These agencies have demonstrated the ability to provide a clear vision and focus for the future economic development of the county. Many of its challenges are capable of being transformed into opportunities, provided that the appropriate remedial measures can be put in place," the Minister said.

Mr Martin said significant progress had been made across a range of areas. He had asked the State development agencies, under the auspices of his department, to redouble their efforts in supporting job creation in Donegal.

"I am particularly pleased to see that there has been a number of major job announcements recently, creating a minimum of 500 jobs. This is a clear indication that Donegal can and is attracting new enterprises."

Mr Martin said that the report marked the work-in-progress in making Donegal an attractive place to bring business, and ensuring the transition from the old world to the information age economy.