Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Construction workers at the Dublin Port Tunnel in 2006 (File photo) Julien Behal/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Construction

Unemployed construction workers to get €35m in EU aid

The money is aimed at re-training unemployed construction workers in Ireland so as that they can return to work.

THOUSANDS OF UNEMPLOYED construction workers are to benefit from €35 million in aid being granted by a European Commission fund, it has been announced.

The Commission has announced it is to provide the assistance through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to help 5,987 redundant construction workers across Ireland to get back into employment.

The scheme will help the workers by providing them with training programmes at second and third level, occupational guidance, enterprise support as well as allowances and income support for training schemes.

It comes following three applications from Irish authorities for funding for over 9,000 workers made redundant from small and medium-sized businesses as a direct result of the financial and economic crisis and the fall in the property sector.

The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland estimates that 166,000 people have been made unemployed since the collapse in the construction industry.

Employment in the industry is said to have fallen to 105,000 now, from 271,000 in 2007 at the height of the property boom in Ireland.

Of the 9,089 workers the application covered, 5,987 of them who are seen as facing the greatest challenges getting back into employment will be covered under the scheme which will cost €55 million in total.

The government will provide the extra €20 million needed.

The funding is subject to approval by the European Parliament and the EU’s Council of Ministers.

The announcement was welcomed by Labour MEP Pronsias De Rossa who said he was confident the funding would be secured “probably within six to eight weeks.”

The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland also welcomed the announcement, pointing to a potential knock-on effect for the overall economy:

“This could also have a positive knock-on effect for the economy as it will enable unemployed construction workers to return to work and contribute to the economy by paying taxes or by possibly creating employment opportunities for others,” Andrew Nugent from the Society said.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
25
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.