Donegal County Council has been called on to do more to support existing businesses and job creation.
Letterkenny MD and County Councillor Ciaran Brogan said businesses are currently facing challenges in finding backing for their applications which would expand their enterprise and create jobs.
Cllr Brogan said: “The message must go out that ‘Donegal is open for business’ and ‘Donegal is a place that you can create jobs’.
“Business in Donegal was never easy. We are a border county that has suffered more with different troubles over the years.”
Cllr Brogan said he has seen applications being turned down that would have boosted the local economy. He said that the local authority should have an open-door approach to planning applications by businesses and a can-do attitude to any application that supports jobs.
Cllr Brogan said there is a ‘massive disconnect’ between the council and the Local Enterprise Office. “The LEOs have failed us,” he said, “If you are out taking to businesses are the minute, they are finding it very challenging.”
It was confirmed at the July sitting of Donegal County Council that a business support unit would be established under the Economic Development Directorate. Chief Executive Seamus Neely confirmed that meetings will be held to bring senior executives from each council directorate together to support local businesses in their establishment, development, expansion and location. The executive plans to engage with businesses directly through local forums, while working with state agencies.
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