Why major corrective action is needed to deliver on skills strategy to boost NI economy
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BreakingNews.ie
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- BreakingNews.ie
97% of Irish business leaders consider homelessness to be ‘critical problem'
Some 97 per cent of Irish business leaders consider homelessness to be a critical or significant problem in Ireland today, according to new research. Despite this, only one in four businesses (25 per cent) have previously engaged in initiatives to support people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement The research was carried out by Empathy Research for Focus Ireland. The most recent Department of Housing figures show that almost 16,000 people – including nearly 5,000 children – are currently homeless and living in emergency accommodation. The survey of more than 100 businesses also revealed that 87 per cent believe the business community has an important role to play in ending homelessness, while nine out of 10 agree it is important that businesses actively support homelessness initiatives. Focus Ireland is calling on Irish businesses to join the Shine A Light Sleep Out on Friday, October 10th. It is supported by Bord Gais Energy. Advertisement The annual fundraising initiative with events in Cork and Dublin, and people sleeping out in communities across Ireland, aims to raise €1.2 million in vital funds to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness, as demand on Focus Ireland's services continues to rise with the worsening crisis. The Empathy research also revealed that 16 per cent of businesses have been directly or indirectly impacted by homelessness. Respondents cited recruitment and retention challenges as key issues, with one respondent stating that 'employees can't get accommodation, therefore, it is hard to retain and obtain staff'. In addition, 83 per cent of business leaders surveyed said they would advise the Government to prioritise long-term social housing in the next budget as a critical solution to ending the crisis. Advertisement According to the new research, advocating for affordable housing policy changes, providing employment opportunities for those with lived experience of homelessness, and making financial donations were identified as the primary supports businesses can deliver. Pat Dennigan, chief executive of Focus Ireland, said: 'As the number of children in homelessness across Ireland approaches 5,000, I am personally calling on the business community to join us in taking action. 'By sleeping out for Shine A Light this October 10, together we will shine a light on Ireland's children without a home. 'I was encouraged to see that research found that 87 per cent of businesses recognise their crucial role in ending homelessness. Advertisement 'This shared belief is our greatest strength, as we know we can't solve this crisis alone.' Focus Ireland LEAP ambassador James Flanagan added: 'At just three years old, I experienced homelessness with my mother. 'Those painful memories as a child stay with me, and it's heartbreaking to see thousands of kids living through the same thing today. 'We are seeing the worst it has ever been, with thousands of children experiencing the trauma of homelessness. Advertisement Ireland Housing Minister 'determined' to stop homelessness... Read More 'We broke that cycle because we received support, and I encourage you to give that same chance to others. By taking part in Focus Ireland's Shine A Light, you are directly helping individuals, children, and families to rebuild their lives.' The Shine A Light Sleep Out will take place in Iveagh Gardens and Cork City Gaol. Companies, local businesses, community groups and schools will also sleep out in communities across Ireland this October 10th.
Reuters
a day ago
- Reuters
Xpeng granted 10 billion yuan credit from China Citic Bank
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Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Newry and south Armagh firms invest nearly £2m with creation of 24 new jobs
According to the Department for the Economy, the firms will now be able to increase productivity and turnover, build capacity, and grow sales in the Republic of Ireland, Britain and Europe. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald made the announcement on a visit to Versaffix, a manufacturer of equipment for excavators in Lislea, south Armagh. She met representatives from all four companies, which have all received support from economic development agency Invest NI, on her visit. The Minister said: 'SMEs are the backbone of our economy and access to financial support for these types of businesses is crucial. "I was encouraged to meet all four companies who have benefited from Invest NI's support and hear how these investments have increased capacity, driven sales, and unlocked new export opportunities. 'Supporting rural SMEs is essential to creating inclusive and long-term economic resilience. It also aligns with my economic vision to recalibrate economic development across the north by creating good jobs and addressing historic regional imbalances.' Invest NI has offered £191,700 of support towards the companies' investments, which are set to contribute £2m to the economy over the next few years. Versaffix is investing £701,000 in its business and creating eight new jobs with support from Invest NI. Martin McMenamin, its business development manager, said: 'As an early-stage business, this investment will enable us to build our management team and increase production capacity, supporting us to commercialise our product and expand our global reach. 'We're also investing in market development activities to help us to grow sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, before launching our tiltrotator products in the European market. "The advice and support from Invest NI has given us the confidence to take this exciting next step for our business.' Viltra, a provider of wastewater treatment solutions in Newry, is investing £514,000 to strengthen its management and production capacity. The company will recruit six new roles, helping it to increase exports to the south of Ireland and France and take on larger projects. Pronto Engineering in Camlough designs industrial automation solutions and is investing £462,000 to increase productivity, grow sales in target markets and create six jobs. And Sheaney, a specialist in marine, civil engineering and infrastructure project management, also in Newry, is investing £270,000 to increase its exports to the Republic and create four jobs. Steven Heaney, managing director at Sheaney, said: 'This investment will equip us to capitalise on opportunities in the Republic of Ireland, building on our existing contract in Dublin Port. "We're growing our geotechnical, sales and marketing expertise and building our capacity to support new and existing infrastructure projects.' The roles from the four companies include software engineers, technicians, business development managers, and a range of production, mechanical, electrical and managerial roles. John McKibben, southern regional manager at Invest NI, said: 'We've worked closely with Pronto Engineering, Sheaney, Versaffix, and Viltra, supporting them to improve operational efficiencies, strengthen leadership, boost competitiveness and increase digitalisation. "They are now in the position to increase their workforces and excitingly, grow sales outside Northern Ireland. 'We are committed to supporting businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area and offered almost £8m of support to over 130 companies here in 2024-25. "This will contribute to a total investment of £47m in the local economy and the creation of 289 new jobs, contributing towards the Minister's drive for regional balance.'
