Donegal is the worst-affected county in Ireland for Údarás na Gaeltachta property vacancies, it has been revealed.
There are 41 units in the authority’s property portfolio that are not being used in Gaeltacht areas of Donegal. This represents 23% of the county’s total stock, with half of these units lying idle for 5 years or more.
The figures were recently obtained by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Business, Enterprise, and Innovation Maurice Quinlivan TD, who called for action from Minister for Business Heather Humphreys.
Deputy Quinlivan discovered that 86 of the Údarás’ properties across the country are currently vacant, with one quarter of these units empty since 2009 or before.
Deputy Quinlivan challenged Minister Humphries to facilitate better cooperation between job creation agencies to make them aware of the properties and to ensure Gaeltacht areas attract more indigenous businesses and foreign direct investment.
He said: “Many of these Údarás na Gaeltachta properties are located in rural areas, predominantly in the west of Ireland. These are areas that are in need of substantial investment and focus from the government to ensure local people have the opportunity to remain, live and work in their own communities.
“These properties hold great potential for job creation in Gaeltacht areas and I am calling on the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation to facilitate better cooperation between the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure all of their clients are made aware of the units and financial assistance each of the agencies have to offer.
“It is essential we attract more indigenous businesses and foreign direct investment to these regions and utilise these properties.
“Ensuring people from Gaeltacht regions are able to stay, live, and work in their home communities is also vital in protecting and growing the use of our native language.”
One business unit in Béal an Mhuirthead in County Mayo was found to be lying empty for 20 years. Deputy Quinlivan has called for the unit to be put to use by Údarás in some way, such as allowing a start-up business, community group or charity use the premises for free until a paying tenant could be found.
