Údarás na Gaeltachta approved the following projects at a board meeting held in Na Dúnaibh today (Friday 4 May 2007):
Áisleann Ghaoth Dobhair 2010, Gweedore Business Park
A capital provision of €7.6 million was approved to develop Stage 1 of the Áisleann Ghaoth Dobhair project. The multifunctional cultural, community, business and recreation centre will be developed at Gaoth Dobhair Business Park, on the site previously occupied by Dianorm. A library, child care centre, exhibition/art area, language research centre, hatchery/business innovation centre, offices and enterprise space are among the proposed facilities and services.
It is hoped that up to 200 jobs will be created when development is complete.
The concept of Áisleann Ghaoth Dobhair 2010 arose from a plan devised for the redevelopment of the old Derrybeg Industrial Estate following major job losses between 2000-2002 and the apparent lack of youth, sports, educational, enterprise and arts facilities identified at the time.
Corr na Móna, Co. Galway
A support package was approved to develop a medical devices manufacturing business on the Industrial Estate in Corr na Móna. It is anticipated that the company will supply a range of products for the medical devices industry, and completion, sterilization and distribution of products will take place from Corr na Móna. It is hoped that 32 people will be employed when the company is fully-operational.
Déantúsaíocht Dane-Elec Teo., An Spidéal, Co. Galway
A support package was approved for Dane-Elec Teo. in An Spidéal to assist with further development.
Forbairt na Dromada Teo., Co. Kerry
A capital grant of €41,250 was approved for Forbairt na Dromoda Teo. to enable them to fit out a third enterprise unit on their site at An Cillín Liath for business development purposes.
Dexgreen Teo., Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Co. Cork
An assistance package was approved for Dexgreen Teo. in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh to help them develop new products and bring them to market.
Implementation of “1% Percentage for Community Arts” system
It was decided to implement a “1% Percentage for Community Arts” system on various aspects of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s capital expenditure. Up to 1% of an tÚdarás’ construction budget will be made available as funding for arts initiatives in the Gaeltacht. Between €25,000 and €64,000 in funding may be available for arts initiatives, depending on the type of project and on the capital costs involved.
Údarás na Gaeltachta Regional Office and Ionad Gnó Chasla, Co. Galway
A provision of €3million was approved to build a new regional office and business incubation units on the Údarás’ estate in Casla. Planning permission will be sought in the near future.
Site at Baile na Finne, Co. Donegal
It was agreed to buy a strategic two acre site in Baile na Finne, subject to permission from the Minister for Community, Local and Gaeltacht Affairs, which will be a development resource and site for Comhlacht Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir (2000) Teo.
Site at Dungloe Business Park, Co. Donegal
It was agreed to sell a site to Donegal County Council to develop a recycling unit at Páirc Ghnó an Chlochán Liath.