Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
691. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of full-time and part-time jobs supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in Gleann Cholm Cille, Cill Charthaigh, and An Charraig, County Donegal; the job creation targets and employment plans which have been devised for the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47805/19]
View answerI have been advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that at the end of 2018, there were 760 full time positions and 16 part time positions in Údarás client companies in the south west Donegal Gaeltacht, which includes Gleann Cholm Cille, Cill Charthaigh, An Charraig and Ard an Rátha.
Most of the employment in this region stems from the fish processing industry, seaweed processing, the textiles sector and food production.
The Deputy is no doubt aware also that Cill Charthaigh has a strong weaving and textiles industry. Tourism is also strong in the region, particularly cultural tourism.
Substantial investment has been provided in recent years in support of the Sliabh Liag Strategic Development Project by Donegal County Council, Fáilte Éireann and the Interreg Programme, with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
In addition, I approved a language plan for the region in April of this year in accordance with the provisions of the Gaeltacht Act 2012. This region is recognised as Limistéar Pleanála Teanga (LPT) Dhún na nGall Theas and the plan's implementation is being managed by Lár Chomhairle Paróiste Ghleann Cholm Cille Teo with ongoing financial support provided by my Department via Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Finally, Údarás na Gaeltachta have informed me that they envisage further opportunities for development and job creation in the tourism sector in the area. A digital hub forming part of the Údarás na Gaeltachta gteic network is based in Cill Charthaigh, in partnership with WestBic, and is one of the strategic projects in the Údarás na Gaeltachta Strategy for 2018 -2020.
The provision of this network of digital hubs throughout Gaeltacht regions, together with the attendant high-speed broadband capability, is recognised by An tÚdarás as being of strategic importance in enabling such regions to be to the fore in further attracting, maintaining and supporting enterprise and business development opportunities into the future.
