merrion street

Successful implementation of Plan for Mayo, Roscommon and Galway would see creation of 25,000 extra jobs in the region – Minister Bruton

The Government today launched the West Action Plan for Jobs, aimed at delivering 10-15% employment growth in the region over the coming years.

The Plan is the fifth of 8 regional jobs plans to be published over the coming months, as part of a new €250million regional jobs strategy led by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton. Following several difficult years since the crash, employment in the West has returned to growth, with 5,000 (3%) extra people at work over the past twelve months . During the years 2008-2011 27,400 jobs (13.3%) were lost in the region. The plan launched today targets employment growth of 10-15% over and above today’s employment levels.
Key sectors targeted as part of the plan include agri-food, tourism, medtech, ICT and pharma.

 Speaking at the launch the Taoiseach said:

While the recovery has begun to take hold across the country, we are keenly aware that it is not yet felt by every family. Jobs are now growing in every region of Ireland including here in the West and we are determined to make sure that this recovery is felt behind the door of every home. This West Action Plan, the fifth of eight regional plans, will help further spread the benefits of a rising economy and bring jobs here to the West. "The plan sets out a clear pathway to unlock the potential of the region and is very inclusive. No single agency can bring jobs to a region – this takes collaboration and that is at the heart of this plan. Local Enterprise Offices, tourism bodies, agri-food bodies and the national enterprise agencies will all work with local stakeholders to provide the best supports possible to help enterprise invest in the West.

Minister Bruton said:

Jobs are growing right across the country, but they are growing faster in some regions than in others. That is why we have put in place the €250million regional jobs strategy, to support regions to play to their strengths and accelerate jobs growth in every area.

Read the press release here for more information.