The number of people employed in the Donegal Gaeltacht declined by 243 in 2010, figures released by Udaras na Gaeltachta have revealed.
A total of 194 new jobs were created leaving the number of people employed on a full-time basis by Udaras at 2,007.
A total of €16.7million was invested in providing the 193 jobs, many of which will come on stream in 2011 and subsequent years.
The majority of job losses occurred in the Largo Foods group of companies based on the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park.
In 2009, Largo Export Foods Ltd announced that the group needed to restructure as a result of increased competitiveness in the market place, unfavourable exchange rates and high production costs.
A reduction of the workforce was necessary to allow for restructuring and the lay-offs are evident in the 2010 employment figures.
“We are encouraged however by the significant investment made by Largo Foods group last year to redevelop their business to target the healthy snack food niche market.
An tÚdarás is confident that employment numbers will rise again when this development is implemented,” said an Udaras spokesman.
The spokesman added that companies in the tourism sector and companies related to the construction industry also saw a drop in employment numbers.
