Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Michael Ring

Question:

259 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress made to date regarding jobs in the Erris region by the North Mayo Task Force; the number of times the task force has met; the frequency of the meetings; the progress being made in relation to job formation; the number and location of jobs that have been created since the task force was set up; and the future plans for the task force. [10666/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Ms Coughlan)

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that significant progress has been made regarding the creation of employment in the region since the establishment of the Belmullet Task Force with seven projects at various stages of implementation with 73 full-time and 70 part-time jobs actually created. A further 21 full-time posts are expected to be created shortly. Most of the jobs will be in the Belmullet area while the Carrowtigue/Glenamoy area will also benefit.

The task force met eight times on the following dates:

First meeting	26.07.00
Other meetings	29.08.0026.09.0031.10.0028.11.0019.12.0030.01.01
Final meeting	26.02.01

The task force has concluded its work and has furnished its report. While Údarás na Gaeltachta is the principal development organisation in the area and will continue with its developmental efforts, action will be required from a number of Government Departments and agencies in order to implement the recommendations of the report.