Blaney rejects Fine Gaels bleak assessment of Donegal
Fianna Fail TD for Donegal North East Niall Blaney has rejected Fine Gaels bleak assessment of Donegal. Deputy Blaney has rejected comments by Fine Gaels Enda Kenny that “Fianna Fáil policies have devastated Donegal”. 16/02/10“In painting a hopeless image of Donegal, Fine Gael is blatantly ignoring all of the achievements of the region in the recent years. Clearly Donegal, like the rest of the country, faces its fair share of challenges. But intensive efforts have been made to create employment and facilitate a pro-enterprise environment. To dismiss all of the work that has gone on in the region is to distort the reality of the situation," he said.
Deputy Blaney continued: “Similar to other parts of Ireland, Donegal has moved away from traditional industries such as textiles and clothing towards high tech, high skill activity. This is reflected by IDAs strategy to actively encourage new investment in Donegal in innovative, knowledge-based industries. There are currently 12 IDA Ireland-supported companies in Donegal employing almost 2,000 people full time and part time in software development, systems development and the medical technology industry. This is in addition to the vast numbers of small and medium sized businesses that have been supported by the Donegal County Enterprise Board.”
“There has also been a strong focus on the creation of jobs through high potential start-ups. This has been facilitated through supports and grants from Enterprise Ireland. Innovative schemes such as the Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund have also gone a long way towards helping companies deal with the current circumstances.”
“The delivery of physical infrastructure, from roads to communications, is key to developing Donegal as an attractive place to do business. In that context, the announcement that the A5 Derry to Dublin route is progressing ahead of schedule is very much to be welcomed. The project, which is expected to commence construction within 2 years, will significantly improve connectivity in the North West. The Government has committed €580 million for this project and the A8 Larne to Belfast project.”
"Another important development is the commencement of work on Project Kelvin. This will provide a new direct transatlantic telecoms link between Ireland and North America, as well as increased connectivity with the UK and mainland Europe. The creation of sophisticated transport and communications networks will increase accessibility and help open many doors for businesses in Donegal.”
“In terms of training and activation supports, the Government has the capacity to cater for180, 000 individuals this year. This includes a number of schemes targeted at youth unemployment such as the Work Placement Programme for graduates and non- graduates and the €20million Labour Activation fund for the under 35’s.”
“The best way to ensure that Donegal thrives is by stabilising our public finances and regaining our competitive edge. Fianna Fail in Government has taken the necessary measures to achieve this. The banking system has been supported and stabilised through a number of Fianna Fail initiatives, primarily the establishment of NAMA. I am confident that normal banking services will resume upon the implementation of Fianna Fail policies. Furthermore, Fianna Fail in Government has also taken the tough decisions needed to bring the public finances back under control.
