Concerns raised over employment in rural areas of Cork

A Cork TD has raised concerns about employment in rural areas, saying there are people spending hours driving to the city for work every day.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins asked in the Dáil for details of the employment opportunities created since 2024 in Cork South West, mentioning areas such as Beara, Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head, Bandon, Dunmanway, Skibbereen, Drimoleague, Clonakilty, Kinsale, and in general from Innishannon to Bantry.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Niamh Smyth, said: “There are now 26,026 people employed in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in county Cork, a net increase of 846 jobs during 2024.

“There was also positive job creation recorded across the three LEOs based in county Cork, with 3,076 jobs supported by 618 LEO clients. This represents a net gain in 2024 of 119 jobs,” she added.

“The FDI performance in the south west, which comprises counties Cork and Kerry, has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 17%. In Cork, there are 219 IDA companies, employing 49,898 people.”

Mr Collins said: “I was very specific in my question. I am very concerned, especially living on a peninsula myself.

“These areas have had a downturn in agriculture because farming is going through a struggle at present. Fishing has been decimated in those peninsulas. 

“I see a wave of cars leaving West Cork every morning going to Cork city.”

Ms Smyth accepted his point saying: “Balanced regional development is a key priority for the Government and all TDs who are from more rural parts of the country.”

She promised to raise the issue with the department and come back to him more specifically on the areas Mr Collins inquired about.

Mr Collins said: “Obviously employment is good no matter where it is. 

“I know there are massive employers in Cork city such as Apple, the pharmaceutical companies and others. 

“They are second to none and are to be always welcomed and secured. 

“Many people are spending two hours in a car going up to Cork every morning to work and coming back to West Cork because there are no major employment opportunities in those areas.

“It looks as if the department is very much concentrating on the city, which is hugely important, but has forgotten there is an area two hours west of Cork city where people would like job opportunities.”