The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Dinny McGinley T.D., has defended a decision to give more than half a million euro to a Co Donegal crisp factory.
The Donegal South West TD said that the Government has given approval for grant assistance by Údarás na Gaeltachta to Largo Food Exports Ltd., a company based in Gaoth Dobhair Business Park.
He said the taxpayer handout of €579,564 will assist the company in updating equipment and in funding a research and development programme for new high-value products to be produced in the Gaeltacht for the Irish and British markets.
Making the announcement, Minister McGinley said: “This investment is vital in securing the continued presence of Largo Food Exports Ltd. in Gaoth Dobhair.
“The State’s investment in this company shows the Government’s commitment to consolidating employment in areas such as Gaoth Dobhair in order to sustain viable rural communities and, in particular, to support the Irish language as the community language in a strong Gaeltacht heartland.”
Minister McGinley added that this announcement endorses the Government’s commitment to retaining Údarás na Gaeltachta’s enterprise development function and to the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
“The creation of jobs in Gaeltacht areas is central to the aim of the Strategy, which is to ensure that the Irish language is passed from generation to generation as a vibrant family and community language,” said the Minister.
The Minister commended Largo Foods and its CEO, Raymond Coyle, in particular, for their ongoing commitment to the Gaoth Dobhair operation, which currently supports the equivalent of 125 full-time jobs – 190 full-time and part-time positions.
