Lack of jobs tops the agenda in Tuam estates

Tuam’s jobs crisis was brought sharply into focus in a new survey which revealed that over one-third of those questioned said they are unemployed.

The Galway Rural Development survey was conducted in a number of estates where unemployment is a major issue.

And it revealed that those living in what are traditionally termed as ‘working class estates’ are not benefiting from the new employment bubble.

The survey was conducted during the summer months in seven estates, with 36% of respondents in the door-to-door survey admitting that they were unemployed.

Some 21% said that they are employed while a high percentage of the residents in the estates said that they were retired.

Galway Rural Development suggested the need for additional learning courses.

“Around seven percent of the respondents have not received any formal education and two percent have completed an apprenticeship among the seven areas surveyed in Tuam region.

“We have found that computer related courses, cookery, safe pass, beautician, carpentry, childcare, first aid, gardening and photography remained the most popular courses in which the respondents are willing to participate in future.

“The other courses preferred in the area are veterinary, apprenticeship, fitness, hairdressing, healthcare, language, literacy, mental wellness, picture framing, reading, security, sign language, social care, veterinary and volunteering,” Galway Rural Development states.

In their assessment they said that their Needs Analysis survey was to ascertain the issues faced by the communities in these areas in order to get a better idea of the support Galway Rural Development should offer.

The project was conducted under the Social Inclusion Activation Programme. This aims to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.

There are many services in Tuam that deliver various programmes and are of a great benefit to the community. There is also a variety of training on offer from providers such as Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board.

“There were many different issues identified by agencies working in the areas, ranging from training needs that should be culturally appropriate as well as workshops to inform young people of the risks with early school leaving,” the survey said.

The information was compiled from groups who completed the survey online.