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Shock as Donegal IDA to close
08.07.11
DONEGAL North East TD
Charlie McConalogue says he has "forced an
admission" from the Government in the Dáil that they
are closing the IDA’s regional office in Letterkenny.
“This move is a real blow to Donegal. It is quite
clear that the Government had no plans to announce
the closure of the regional IDA office in
Letterkenny, hoping it wouldn't become an issue
until I raised it in the Dáil this evening. They
have also refused to give any commitment to fill the
position of IDA North West regional manager, which
is a critical role for promoting Donegal as a
destination for jobs and investment."
The IDA is the State agency tasked with creating
employment by attracting investment and supporting
businesses. |
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Donegal North East TD Charlie
McConalogue. |
Deputy McConalogue
added: "But this evening (Thursday), the Minister
for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton
has confirmed that the IDA offices in Donegal and
Sligo are being merged. It means that we will no
longer have an office in Letterkenny, at a time when
creating jobs is more important than ever.
“I am shocked by the casual nature with which the
Government is treating this closure. Minister Bruton
claims his top priority is jobs, and yet he is happy
to stand idly by while the key job creation agency
pulls out of Donegal. It begs the question, how many
other regional IDA offices around the country are
facing closure?
“Our continued economic recovery is dependent on
investment and support for the business community.
It is not acceptable that Donegal would be left
behind. If the Government has wider plans to scale
back the IDA’s resources and services, they must
come clean. I am demanding that the Minister meet
with senior management at the IDA and make it clear
that the Letterkenny office and the regional manager
position be reinstated immediately," added Deputy
McConalogue. |
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