141 economic investment queries in Donegal over three years

Donegal County Council received a total of 141 queries in relation to economic investment across the county over the past three years.

The figure emerged following a question by Cllr Jack Murray at the recent council meeting when he tabled a question about the matter. He also wanted a breakdown of the levels of activity in each municipal district.

Director of economic development, emergency services and information systems, Garry Martin said their Economic Development Unit (EDU) delivers a range of initiatives to support economic development and job creation activity in the county and that this was done in conjunction with development partners in both the public and private sectors.

He explained that the key supports in relation to economic investment delivered by the EDU focus on a range of services and functions related to economic development including planning, roads, environmental and pollution control, fire safety, commercial rates and property solutions.

The director said 141 economic-related queries were dealt with since the formation of the Economic Development Unit in 2020 but these queries are not recorded for each municipal district but rather on a countywide basis.

"The key common issues received through the service relate to available business supports for start-ups, requests for property solutions, broadband provision queries and queries relating to specific campaigns e.g. Buy Donegal campaign."

He broke down the figures for the business-related queries: 52 in 2020; 54 in 2021 and 35 in 2022.

"The Economic Development Unit also works closely with key stakeholders such as the IDA North West, Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Local Enterprise Office to promote and market the region for economic investment as well as supporting indigenous businesses.

"This support includes more direct engagement through joint investment events in key target markets, seeking new investment into the region. These events have taken place in Dublin, London, Philadelphia and Boston over the past year."

He explained that the Economic Development Unit works on a cross-directorate basis to maximise the potential of council-owned land and property to drive economic growth and job creation through its property solutions support.

"The Economic Development Unit, in partnership with Donegal 2040 Strategic Development Designated Activity Company (DAC), also works with council services to deliver a range of regeneration projects across the county.

"The development of enterprise/innovation space forms part of a number of these projects including in Letterkenny, Carrigart, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Ballybofey, Burtonport, Ballyshannon and Killybegs.

"These facilities will enhance the property solution options available in the county and will act as an attractor for businesses looking to grow and scale in Donegal.

"The Economic Development Unit is also working with other council services to develop lands at the Common Lifford with a view to supporting economic development and job creation.

He added this approach provides a good model for future strategic land initiatives for economic development and housing provision in other parts of the county.