The announcement of new employment opportunities in Belmullet by leading market research company IPSOS/MRBI, through its creation of a gteic digital hub, has been welcomed by local politicians.
Fianna Fáil TD, Dara Calleary said: "Initially, two full-time jobs will be created in gteic@Béal an Mhuirthead and IPSOS have announced that they are looking to recruit 30 people for a mixture of part and full-time positions from the Erris and northwest Mayo areas.
"A primary call centre is currently being fitted in gteic@Béal an Mhuirthead for the company but it is envisaged that future IPSOS employees will be able to use any of the new gteic hubs being developed at the moment, namely gteic@An Eachléim and gteic@An Corrán Buí, as the company develops and when Covid-19 restrictions ease.
“IPSOS have begun the process of recruiting 30 people in a mixture of part-time and full-time contracts in the Iorras area and training courses (Customer Service - QQI 1 - Level 6 ) are being provided on a partnership basis by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Mayo North East Leader Partnership Company, Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP ), as preparatory courses for people in the area interested in the employment opportunities being offered by the company.
"It is wonderful that new employment is being created in Belmullet and a huge vote of confidence in the gteic model and the area."
Fine Gael TD Deputy Michael Ring said: "I am delighted with this announcement. In 2018, when I was Minister for Rural and Community Development, I was delighted to be in a position to allocate over €400,000 to the Belmullet digital hubs under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. I am pleased to see that this funding has proven to be very beneficial to the Belmullet area.
"I understand that, in the future, new gteic hubs which are being developed at the moment, namely the one in Aughleam and Cornboy, will be able to be used by the employees of IPSOS. Again, this was funding of €115,124 that I had allocated to both of those areas.
"IPSOS is a very large employer globally and I am delighted to see that they have now earmarked Belmullet for one of their operations. I wish the company well and I am pleased to see these worthwhile jobs coming to Belmullet."
Fianna Fáil Councillor Sean Carey said: "I am very pleased with this development. Deputy Calleary and I have been supporters of the gteic model since its inception and it is wonderful to see it now bearing fruit for Belmullet and Erris. This is great news for the area."
