MEP Kelly: Rathkeale fund approved by Parliament

“I am delighted to confirm that the European Parliament’s European Globalisation Fund (EGF) working group this morning approved EU funding support for 276 jewellery workers and unemployed young people in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick”, Sean Kelly MEP said in Brussels today (Thursday).

 

“This morning’s thumbs up is an important step forward to finalise the application made by the Department of Education and Skills for a programme of guidance, training, education and enterprise supports for over 276 persons in West Limerick under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), which the EU would co-finance,” Mr Kelly continued.

The Fine Gael MEP for Limerick and Ireland South explained that the main group to be assisted comprises the workforce made redundant from the Andersen Ireland Limited jewellery manufacturing plant in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, in 2013. Some other young people in the region, under the age of 25 years, who are not currently in education, training or employment will also benefit.

Once the funding is fully approved by the EU Council, it will run until May 2016 covering career guidance, training, second and third level education courses and enterprise supports for those seeking to set up their own business. The overall scheme would be valued at a total of €2.5 million.  

Since 2009, some 9,700 persons have been assisted through the EGF in Ireland. MEP Kelly will continue to press the Government to continue to avail of all possible sources of support to ensure Irish citizens benefit fully.  MEP Kelly helped secure funding for Dell workers in Limerick as well as Waterford Crystal and TalkTalk workers heretofore, so will be working closely with officials and workers on the ground to progress the application.