VITAL lobs could be created in Connemara over the next couple of years if the spending restrictions imposed on Údarás na Gaeltachta were liftcd.

It is estimated that 250 jobs could be created in the Gaeltacht areas which would stem the current flow of emigration to America, Canada and Australia.

It has been revealed that many GAA clubs in Connemara are ravaged by emigration over the past year and the need for job creation in the region has been regularly highlighted.

The Chief Executive of Údarás, Pádraig Ó hAoláin revealed that a directive issued by the Department of Finance prevented it from spending money on job creation projects.

And he also revealed that there was the potential to create up to 250 new jobs in the Gaeltacht within the next two to three years if the purse strings were relaxed.

Mr. Ó hAoláin explained that the job creation projects would require state investment of up to €6 million between nowand 2011.

"There are now claims that Connemara will not experience any job creation over the next few years and this will result in a major shift in population"

Údarás is responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht and elects a board every five years. There are now claims that Connemara will not experience any job creation over the next few years and this will resuit in a major shift in population.

According to Údarás it is prevented from signing off on any new projects because of Govemment spending restrictions.

It said the Department of Finance issued a directive in mid-March which constrained any new capital expenditure.

Such spending limitation are not in place for IDA Ireland and were also lifted four weeks ago from Enterprise Ireland.

Connemara based councillor and Údarás member, Seosamh Ó Cuaig said that it was another closed door as far as west Galway was concemed.

"You can go through every parish in Connemara and find that young people have left the area over the past couple of years because of a lack of work.

"The Govemment might flnd this hard to believe but Connemara is not just a tourist destination and that not everyone is benefiting from tourist related income.

"We need basic every day jobs in the area and now that this vital investment has been stalled, then they might as well close the door on Connemara"; Cllr. Ó Cuaig said. The independent councillor from Carna said that if Gaeltacht Minister Éamon Ó Cu’v was strong, he could have prevented this situation from happening.

"First we have the threat to the Gaeltacht department and now Údarás have been handcuffed in terms of spending. It seems that there is a concerted effort to run Connemara into the ground", Cllr. Ó Cuaig added.

Declan Tierney Cúradh Chonnachtach 10/7/2009