Jobs initiative sought for BMW regions

SIPTU today called on the Government to give job creation and retention in the Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) region a higher priority.

General secretary, Mr John McDonnell said: "While the BMW region already carries a legacy of disadvantage as a result of years of neglect, it appears that in the ongoing restructuring of our economy this region is bearing the brunt of the downside of the Celtic Tiger".

He pointed to substantial redundancies in Offaly, Leitrim and Mayo announced this month as grounds for fast-tracking employment initiatives in the region under the National Development Plan.

An emergency programme of infrastructural development was required to enhance the Region’s attractiveness for inward investment, claimed the SIPTU leader.