COOLOCK was awash with Government ministers last week at the launch of the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs.
Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe and Minister for New Communities, Culture and Equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin were among those who visited Butler’s Chocolate Factory in Clonshaugh for the announcement which is part of a €250 million regional jobs strategy.
Successful implementation of the plan for the capital would see the creation of 66,000 extra jobs over the coming years.
The plan is the final of eight regional jobs plans published over recent months.
Following several difficult years since the crash, employment in Dublin has returned to growth, with over 64,000 extra people at work in the region since the Government launched its Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. During the years 2008-2011, 90,000 jobs were lost in Dublin. Key sectors targeted include areas like technology, financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, tourism and retail as well as “smart cities” and the creative industries.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Bruton said jobs are growing right across the country, but they are growing faster in some regions than in others. “That is why we have put in place the €250 million regional jobs strategy, to support regions to play to their strengths and accelerate jobs growth in every area,” he said. “Dublin as the capital city and only city over one million population is a real driver of economic growth for Ireland.
“Getting the jobs market right in Dublin is crucial to our overall economic health as a country.”
Minister Burton said: “As our capital city, Dublin has a key role to play in driving Ireland’s economic growth. It has a dynamic energy and diversity that has enabled it to punch above its weight in an international context.
“Yet we know that the region faces its own challenges. So it’s essential that we respond to those challenges in a way that continues to drive up employment and opportunities across the Dublin region – and that’s precisely what this plan will do.”
Minister Donohoe said “Our economy is still fragile but through the hard work of Government and the sacrifices of the Irish people we now have a tailwind at our backs.
“To ensure that we continue along the path of sustainable and secure employment we must retain a focus on what is right for our economy and society.”