Harney announces support for Athy initiative

Enterprise Ireland (EI) and FÁS are to jointly fund the hiring of an executive by the Athy Investment Development and Employment…

Enterprise Ireland (EI) and FÁS are to jointly fund the hiring of an executive by the Athy Investment Development and Employment Forum.

The announcement was made today by the Tánaiste who said it was part of a pilot initiative to "develop a series of responses to the socio-economic issues being faced by the town".

Ms Harney said EI and FÁS will each provide £20,000 through Kildare County Council to hire the executive for one year.

Sixty-five people lost their jobs when Peerless Rugs closed its doors in July. SIPTU branch secretary Mr Michael Dowling described the closure as a ‘devastating blow’. The last new factory to open in the town was 17 years ago.

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In a statement today the Tánaiste said the new executive would work to "harness the expertise of a wide range of individuals and organisations."