MYSTERY surrounds leaks from Government claiming 80 jobs had already been created in a Killybegs jobs initiative.
That’s because none of them have – and instead of announcing such claims, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney has instead re-announced the desire to create 250 positions which was first mooted last June.
The Minister launched a report produced by the ‘High Level Group on Job Creation in the Killybegs Region yesterday.
Minister Coveney set up the group on June 3 following the Economic Report for the European Commission, which assessed the status, development and potential diversification of Killybegs as a fisheries dependent community.
The Group comprising of representatives from the Irish seafood sector, tourism, education, enterprise and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were tasked to identify potential jobs across key areas including seafood, ancillary services, offshore supports, tourism and marine leisure and green economy/renewable energy.
However there is said to be “considerable anger” at what is being seen as “spin-doctor” politics over leaks claiming jobs had already been created.
Minister Coveney however was keen to talk up the scheme yesterday, insisting: “I set ambitious targets for the group and I am very pleased to see that the group has not only clearly outlined how 250 jobs can be achieved but has also identified new areas where additional jobs can be created into the future.
“The importance of the seafood sector to Killybegs region cannot be overstated as it is responsible for 68% of the workforce. The Group has identified that through greater diversification and adding value to our existing resources, 130 jobs will be delivered in this sector.
“The Group are to be commended for working together to complete this task in the allocated time and I am looking forward to seeing the actions from the report completed and the benefits that they will bring to the people of Killybegs”.
The report, claimed his department, outlines 250 jobs to be created over a three year period across five key areas. In total, 130 potential jobs were identified within the seafood sector.
He claimed increased access to raw materials such as blue whiting and boarfish present the most significant opportunities, along with a concerted focus on value adding opportunities.
Within the ancillary services, 24 jobs were identified if collaborative opportunities between various companies can be enhanced and their abilities promoted. The offshore sector could generate 20 jobs, however competitive service provision and appropriate skill resources are deemed fundamental to achieve this. Approaching 50 jobs were identified within the tourism/marine leisure area if a co-ordinated marketing strategy is developed, whilst the green economy and renewable energy area offers the potential to create up to 40 jobs.
The Minister added “This pilot approach of co-ordinated developmentally focused activity which is concentrated on natural resources has delivered results that will drive economic development and job creation in the Killybegs region.
“An example of this is the partnership between BIM and LYIT to address seafood value added activities. As a direct result of this jobs initiative, the College of Catering in Killybegs will become a focus for industry activity beginning with a workshop on new product development for crab suppliers is already planned for the 30th November.”
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