Transcript 17.07.2015 - Paddy McGuinness, Chairman Western Development

Western Regional Development Conference
Ballaghaderreen
17th July 2015
Paddy McGuinness – Chair – Western Development Commission
www.wdc.ie
www.raslres.eu
www.lookwest.ie
Content
► Overview of Organisation
► Some Statistics
► Highlights / Achievements
► Personal Observations
Overview
► Origins / Status
Statutory body – Western Development
Commission Act 1998
► Remit
‘foster and encourage economic and social
development in the Western Region’.
Staffing Structure
CEO
Regional
Development
Regional
Development
Manager
Regional Dev. Exec.
(2)
W. I. F.
Investment Manager
Investment
Executive
(2)
Clerical Officer
(3)
Research/Policy
Research Executive
(3)
Finance Officer
Strategy 2012-2017
► To inform policy-making on economic and social development
in the Western Region
► To provide risk capital to SMEs and Social Enterprises through
the WDC Investment Fund
► To encourage the development of the Western economy based
on sustainable development of the region’s strengths and
resources
► To promote the benefits of living, working and doing business
in the Western Region
► To operate the WDC as a competent and effective organisation
Vision 2020
Regional Growth Programmes
Creative West
17,000
Marine Energy
19,000 jobs
Renewable Bio Energy
1,000
Investment Fund
1,000
Niche Tourism
(Created or
Safeguarded)
Statistics (1)
Labour Market Indicators – West Region: 1998 and 2014
Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey Q1 1998-Q1 2014, special run. WDC analysis; and Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Annual Employment Survey 2014, WDC
analysis. Note: Western Region = Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare
Total Employment/Labour Market
Population of the Western Region aged 15+ yrs
Change
512,200 610,800
19%
Number of people in employment
248,800
312,100
25%
24,800
40,600
9%
11.5%
Employment rate (%)
56.8%
59.8%
Labour Force Participation rate (%)
53.4%
57.7%
64%
28%
5%
8%
Sector of Employment (%)
 Agriculture
 Industry & Construction
 Services
16.4%
29.9%
53.1%
9.8%
20.8%
69.3%
-40%
-30%
31%
Agency Assisted ( firms assisted by EI, IDA or Udaras)
52,081
50,510
-3%
Number of people unemployed
Unemployment rate (%)
1998
2014
• The Western Region’s adult population has increased as has the
number employed and the number unemployed.
• Numbers employed in the services
sector have increased very strongly.
Agriculture and industry/construction
show a corresponding decline.
• Permanent full-time employment
assisted by enterprise agencies in
West in 2014 was lower than in 1998
• There was a 3.7% increase in such
jobs in the West in 2014 over 2013
but this increase represents just
72.5% of the national growth.
Employment/Labour Market
1998-2014
Change
Pop. Western Region (15+ yrs)
19%
Number of people in employment
25%
Number of people unemployed
64%
Unemployment rate (%)
28%
Employment rate (%)
5%
Labour Force Participation rate (%)
8%
Sector of Employment (%)

Agriculture

Industry & Construction

Services
Agency Assisted ( firms assisted by
EI, IDA or Udaras)
-40%
-30%
31%
-3%
Statistics (2)
Regional GDP – Trends 1995-2011
• In 1995 the Gross Value Added (output) of
the BMW Region was 76.1% of the national
average, in 1999 it stood at 73.1% and in
2012 it was 74.8%
• Figures for the S & E Region over the same
period show steady growth from 108.7% in
1995 to 109.3% in 1999 to 113.1% in 2012
• There has been a significant widening of the
gap between the BMW and the S & E Regions
since 2008
Highlights/Achievements
Research &
Analysis
Western
Investment Fund
Regional
Development
• Gas
• 122 Businesses
• Creative Economy
• Broadband
• Over 5,000 jobs
• Renewable Energy
• Creative Economy
• €60m Wages 2014
• Regional Tourism
• Analysis of CSO
figures
• €17 Payroll Taxes
• Promotions
• 65% Output Exported
• Engaging Diaspora