A total of 89 new jobs were created in the Mayo Gaeltacht in 2012, a net gain of 36 new jobs on the previous year. This was revealed in a statement issued by Anna Ní Ghallachair, chairperson, and Steve Ó Cúláin, chief executive, Údarás na Gaeltachta.
There were 711 full-time equivalent jobs in Údarás-supported companies in the Mayo Gaeltacht at the year end. Companies involved mainly in the manufacturing, construction related, and services sectors saw growth in employment during the year.
There were also 225 people employed on social employment schemes in the Mayo Gaeltacht at the end of 2012. These schemes are managed and administered by Údarás and funded through the Department of Social Protection.
Nationally, Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies created 700 new jobs last year. Total employment in Údarás client companies stood at 7,553 at 2012 year end, of which 6,933 are full-time jobs and 620 are part-time jobs. When full-time job losses are taken into consideration, there was a net loss of 37 jobs overall.
Údarás na Gaeltachta approved projects during the year which are expected to create 460 new jobs and lead to an overall projected investment of €37 million by Gaeltacht companies.
ABSEI research undertaken by Forfás in 2012 shows that total sales in Údarás client companies stood at €784 million, an increase of three per cent on the previous year’s figures, with a very positive 11 per cent growth forecasted for the following year. Exports sales were up 10 per cent to €452 million and further growth targets of up to 15 per cent are expected next year, which will see record level exports achieved by Údarás client companies.
Total exports, as a percentage of sales, in Údarás client companies have increased from 50 per cent to 62 per cent since 2009.
Gaeltacht companies also have a significant impact in the Gaeltacht and domestic economy and this is illustrated by the nine per cent increase in its spend on Irish-produced materials, contributing €431 million in direct expenditure in the economy last year. Total payroll amounted to €190 million.
