The statistics contained in the Teagasc Index of Rural Towns published recently were further confirmation that midland counties like Offaly needed an immediate and effective response through government policies.
This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she launched her Co. Offaly campaign for re-election to the European Parliament in Tullamore on Friday, April 11th.
“When Co. Offaly is at the bottom of the table of 26 counties which has measured unemployment, level of migration, and vacant premises in towns it confirms a pattern of non delivery to the county”, she said.
It was also a very clear indication that the National Spatial Strategy which was supposed to deliver balanced regional development was not delivering for either the midlands region or Co. Offaly, she said.
“The Teagasc Index following on the Regional Indicators Report produced by the Regional Authorities of Ireland which highlighted the lack of delivery of IDA jobs to the midland counties, the Independent MEP said. “This report indicated that if there is no change in government policy that ‘a pattern is emerging where new FDI companies and employment gravitate towards existing companies already established in Ireland”, she said. “The net loss of 417 IDA jobs in Co. Offaly in the 5 year period 2008-2012 together with the lack of IDA organised visits is indicative of an ongoing problem that must be resolved”, she said.
These most recent reports, when taken together with the latest CSO figures for disposable household incomes show that Co. Offaly needed and deserved special attention from government, she said.
“In 1999 I chaired a 15 County Committee, which included Co. Offaly, which secured a status that permitted the provision of higher level grants to attract industry. Unfortunately Co. Offaly received no tangible benefit from this status due to the government Spatial Strategy and associated IDA polices”, Marian Harkin said.
She called for a concerted effort by business interests in the county to make strong representations to the government, which is currently developing the new National Spatial Strategy, to ensure that it contains effective measures to stimulate economic activity in Co. Offaly.
Referring to proposed wind farm developments in the county the Independent MEP said that in dealing with concerned communities in Co. Offaly it was obvious that their interests were not been adequately considered. “Whether the huge development planned for the midlands goes ahead, or not, the interests of individuals and communities must be given deserved recognition in the development of wind energy projects”, she said.
“In particular the government should encourage community controlled wind projects which could be developed in appropriate locations and with the support of communities who would be the main beneficiaries while assisting delivery of the country’s alternative energy targets”, the Independent MEP concluded.
