At a recent meting in Ballinrobe, Fine Gael candidate Michael Burke addressed the difficult business climate in the area and the effect this is having on employment prospects.
The recent release of the Central Statistics Office live register figures show that in the period from February 2008 to January 2009 the number of unemployed in Ballinrobe increased from 393 to 858 (a staggering 118 per cent increase ). Most of these jobs have been lost in construction, retail, and service industries. Seventeen shops have been forced out of business in the town with a resultant loss of local jobs. The figures also show that there are 147 people under the age of 25 on the live register in Ballinrobe — people whose legitimate hopes and aspirations have been shattered by the gross incompetence of people who were well paid to plan and guide the fortunes of our people.
“Ballinrobe has not featured on RTÉ news bulletins like Limerick and other areas but the human shock, suffering, and deprivation behind these frightening unemployment figures is just as real and palpable in Ballinrobe as in any other area,” said Mr Burke. “Can Ballinrobe expect a high-powered task force to address its problems? Can the Government offer any ray of hope to the families stricken by the scourge of unemployment in Ballinrobe,” he asked.
Mr Burke added that the Minister for Enterprise regularly and repetitively talks about the need for re-training and upskilling. He wholeheartedly agreed that the need for both is obvious in Ballinrobe but urged the Minister to stop talking and start acting. “The premises and facilities for courses are available in the area. It is time to utilise these facilities and provide a modicum of hope for people who need and deserve our support at a most vulnerable time in their life.
“The people of Ballinrobe have always shown themselves to be innovative and enterprising. They are willing and able to help themselves but they need a bit of guidance and help from state agencies like FÁS,” he concluded.
