06/02/2012

Job Creation Agencies Failing Border Areas

Sinn Féin, Enterprise Spokesperson, Phil Flanagan MLA, (Fermanagh/South Tyrone) has said that job creation agencies – Invest NI and the IDA – are failing border areas.

Phil Flanagan said: "Even a cursory examination of job creation figures exposes the failure of Invest NI and the IDA to bring jobs to border areas. Of almost 17,000 jobs created by the two Investment bodies on the island last year less than 10% came to areas of high unemployment on either side of the border.

"The vast majority of investment and therefore jobs attracted by both agencies are focussed in and around the two main cities of Dublin and Belfast. Photo opportunities by Ministers announcing jobs in Belfast or Dublin may be good for the optics to give the impression that things are looking up. But if we are to come up with a realistic and sustainable job creation strategy we need to take account of the historic high levels of unemployment in the North West and border region. As part of that strategy I believe that we need to eliminate competition for jobs and investment between Invest NI and the IDA and form one job creation agency for the island.

"We then need to formulate a proper location neutral strategy in our approach to Foreign Direct Investment where incentives to investors are the same in Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh or Cavan as they are to locate in Belfast or Dublin.

"I would urge the respective Ministers in Belfast and Dublin to enter into discussion to come up with an island-wide job creation strategy that will assist in reinvigorating the economy and gets Ireland working again."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

10 April 2013
LRC Proposals Provide Enhanced Job Security
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) proposals for a new public service agreement provide enhanced job security and significant protection from outsourcing for workers in Irish hospitals, according to SIPTUs National Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell.
06 August 2010
Sinn Féin Stage Protest Over Jobs
Sinn Féin activists are holding a countrywide day of protest over the increase in unemployment. Protests and pickets will take place at TD's and Ministers' offices, town centres, airports and ports.
17 October 2011
Sinn Fein Seek Irish Jobs
A Sinn Fein motion calling for the development of an all-Ireland Job Creation Strategy is due for debate today at Stormont. Speaking ahead of the motion, their Enterprise Spokesperson, Phil Flanagan MLA said: "The main item on most people's agenda is the lack of jobs.
22 May 2013
Call For Formal Targets To Be Established For Job Creation
Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has called on Invest NI to implement the recommendations of a report by the Public Accounts Committee to establish formal targets for job creation, sustainability, job quality and funds invested. This follows a review of Invest NI's performance by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
15 August 2014
160 Job Losses At MBNA
Fianna Fáil Senator Marc Mac Sharry says the loss of 160 jobs at MBNA highlights the need for targeted investment in the North West region. The company is planning to close its plant in Carrick-on-Shannon by the end of November. Senator Mac Sharry commented: "These job losses are a devastating blow to the workers at MBNA and the local community.