Jobs announcement a significant vote of confidence in Donegal workforce – Blaney

The creation of 200 additional jobs in Letterkenny by UnitedHealth Group is a significant vote of confidence in the Donegal workforce, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney.

Niall Blaney has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan and the US health insurer today.

“Securing jobs for Donegal North East has been one of my main priorities for the past number of years and I am delighted that we have achieved this significant job boost for the town of Letterkenny today,” said Deputy Niall Blaney.

“The company already employs 340 in its Letterkenny site and this expansion of its workforce by 200 is a considerable vote of confidence in the local workforce and in County Donegal.

“Creating the right conditions for job creation is vital and that is why I have been working with my colleagues in Government to see the advancement of Project Kelvin and the A5 road project. There is no doubt that the international connectivity provided by Project Kelvin has been an important factor in attracting this investment and the knowledge that a high quality, direct link road to Dublin is well underway will also have been a consideration.

“It is very encouraging to see this kind of boost for Letterkenny. UnitedHealth Group is one of the US’s leading health insurers.

“The jobs being created will be split evenly between IT technicians and medical claims associates.

“With LYIT on our doorstep we are producing quality graduates who are ready to walk into these positions and I was delighted to see the US Vice President of Operations with UnitedHealth Group credit the staff at the facility for their passion and dedication.

“We are perfectly positioned to cater for the needs of industries in the science, telecommunications, technology, and R&D fields with qualified graduates emerging from the college and I am confident that the development of Project Kelvin and A5 is going to make a world of difference to the accessibility and connectivity of the whole northwest region.

“Credit is also due to the IDA for the work they have done in securing this jobs announcement. I am glad that one of the key steps in the new IDA Horizon 2020 jobs plan is to support regional development. It is vital that rural counties like Donegal receive all the available supports for job creation. Despite a very difficult year last year, there was actually an increase in employment in IDA client companies in Donegal.

“Letterkenny, in particular, as a Gateway town must continue to be a focus for the IDA. Investments have been made in excellent buildings, offices and manufacturing facilities around the town. I know that they are being marketed by the IDA for new investment and I am very hopeful that this announcement today is only a sign of things to come,” concluded Niall Blaney TD.