The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta held their board meeting in Áislann Chill Chárthaigh, Cill Chárthaigh, Co. Donegal on Friday last, 28 July 2006.
Assistance was approved for a wide range of projects with the creation of 316 jobs anticipated in total, including:
1) Ionad Scrúduithe Teoranta, Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair
Financial assistance and work space was approved for this new company which is being established to develop the testing business which Euro Iompú Teo provides on an individual basis. Pre-inspection of vehicles prior to testing, testing design, testing of vehicle seating and inspection of vehicles after modifications are among the services which the company will provide.
2) Dromchla Cumhacht Teo., Tuar Mhic Éadaigh
A support package was approved to help develop a company with specific knowledge of energy preservation products in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Among the products and services which Dromchla Cumhacht Teo will provide are advisory services related to the management and fusion of natural energy preservation and energy from various sources, small windmills, electricity generators and a water heating system based on sun panels.
3) Teagmháil Acla Teo., Oileán Acla
A financial package was approved which will assist Teagmhail Acla Teo. to increase employment in its international contact centre in Gob an Choire in Achill. The provision of additional space and a lease was approved for the company.
4) Erris Homes Ltd., Béal an Mhuirthead
A capital grant was approved for the company to assist the principals develop a Leisure Centre and swimming pool as part of the new “Broadhaven Bay Hotel”.
5) Comhar Chaomhán Teo., Inis Oírr
A capital grant was approved to purchase a new JCB to carry out construction work and schemes on the island.
6) Meitheal Éisc Teoranta., Cill Chiaráin
A capital grant was approved for Meitheal Éisc Teoranta to help purchase fishfarming equipment to enhance the development which is taking place in Cuan Chill Chiaráin.
7) Saotharlann Chonamara Teo., Ros Muc
A financial package was approved to aid development of a laboratory in Ros Muc and to develop a small centre in An Achréidh. Saotharlann Chonamara Teo. is now one of the largest laboratory services companies in the West of Ireland providing chemical testing services, microbiological testing, as well as training and investigative services for companies to ensure that their machinery, premises and operating systems adhere to the required standards.
8) Bia Faughan Teo., Ráth Chairn
An assistance package was approved to help the company further develop its food processing business in Ráth Chairn. An increase is expected in the company’s turnover and output, it is intended that they will supply products to large retail groups, export products to the United Kingdom and develop new products.
9) Comharchumann Ráth Chairn Teo., Ráth Chairn
A feasibility study grant was approved to help the Comharchumann examine the possibility of expanding the community centre in Ráth Chairn which would house additional facilities such as classrooms, a restaurant, space for handicrafts/art, a dayroom for the elderly and other basic services.
10) Adhmad Chill na Martra Teo., Cill na Martra
A capital grant was approved to assist the company increase production. The company hopes to install an automatic process to defoliate and dry poles to cater to the increased demand for timber poles.
11) Rural Social Scheme and Community Employment Schemes
Additional assistance was also approved for the Community Employment Schemes and the Rural Social Scheme at the meeting. The capital grant was doubled from €200 to €400 for every participant on the scheme. A capital grant was awarded to cover the costs of materials to cover the scheme. 850 participants are taking part in the schemes, run by Údarás na Gaeltachta, MFG and other community development organisations such as Clár LEADER Comhar Iorrais and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. The participant’s allowance will be paid to these organisations under Údarás na Gaeltachta’s scheme.