Latest news with #MarianHarkin
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Almost half of businesses in the North West require upskilling of their workforce
A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland's North West, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow event at the AIM Centre in Sligo. Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: 'This important research from Skillnet Ireland offers crucial insights into the changing needs of the North West's business landscape. 'It is evident that digital and sustainability skills will be key drivers of future growth. Addressing these challenges requires a strong, collaborative approach. 'By working in partnership with industry, we can support businesses across the region to have access to the talent, skills, and innovation they need to succeed.' The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Annually, over 1,100 businesses located in the North West participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the in the region, including Retail Ireland Skillnet, Rural Enterprise Skillnet Sligo Chamber Skillnet and Tech NorthWest Skillnet. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: 'Our findings for the North West are reflective of national trends. Irish businesses are ambitious and resilient but staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy requires continuous investment in talent. At Skillnet Ireland, we recognise that upskilling and training are strategic drivers of innovation and growth. 'We are committed to partnering with industry to support companies to focus on talent development that is future-focused and closely aligned with business needs.' The research, part of the national talent development agency's Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to remain competitive in Ireland's rapidly evolving digital and green economy. 91% of businesses surveyed in the North West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 59% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. A quarter (26%) of businesses in the North West said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (79%), innovation and creativity (71%), and sustainable supply chain management (64%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (80%), cloud computing (63%), and Internet of Things (63%) are in particularly high demand. Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development. The Skillnet Ireland Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland's Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Improvements planned at three Sligo harbours as funding of €250,000 allocated for repairs
Sligo Champion Yesterday at 07:00 Funding of €250,000 has been allocated for works to be carried out at Enniscrone, Raghly and Mullaghmore harbours. The allocation is part of a €4.33 million funding allocation to support 57 marine infrastructure projects across 11 coastal local authorities. Minister Marian Harkin has described the allocation of €250,000 for works at the three Sligo marine sites by Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD as an important step in maintaining and developing publicly owned marine assets in the county. Deputy Harkin said: 'This significant investment in our marine infrastructure is a clear signal of the Government's support for coastal and rural communities and represents a strong partnership with local councils. The overall cost of the three projects is estimated at €334,000 so the €250,000 allocation marks a huge investment by the Department of the Marine. The planned improvements will not only enhance safety and access at vital fishery and aquaculture-related facilities but also provide an important boost to local economies, tourism, and marine leisure activities.' The funding is being made available under the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, which assists local authorities in maintaining and developing publicly owned marine assets. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will administer the scheme, co-funding up to 75% of eligible project costs—up to a maximum of €187,500 per project—with the remaining costs to be covered by Sligo Co Council. Among the 57 projects approved are three in County Sligo, with a total funding allocation of €250,500, including: Enniscrone Pier: Repairs to masonry walls and deck, and replacement of navigation aids – €185,625 Raghly Harbour: Masonry wall and winch repairs, installation of new ladder and mooring rings – €13,875 Mullaghmore Harbour: Repairs to masonry harbour walls – €51,000 Deputy Harkin added: 'Enniscrone, Raghly, and Mullaghmore are essential parts of our local marine infrastructure. These upgrades will ensure safety, sustainability, and enhanced usability for all those working and engaging with the sea—whether for fishing, aquaculture, or recreation. 'I commend the proactive approach taken by local councils in preparing and delivering these applications. It is a testament to the recognition of our marine assets as vital lifelines for coastal communities. 'This funding represents real progress for our coastal towns and villages. I encourage continued collaboration between the Department and local authorities to ensure the timely completion of all approved projects ahead of the November claim deadline.'
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Five Sligo walking trails receive funding for repairs, restoration and rhododendron clearing
Sligo Champion Funding of €50,000 has been allocated to support improvements across five walking trails in County Sligo. The funding, administered through the Sligo Leader Partnership Company, will enable enhancements to the following trails: These upgrades will include drainage works, surface repairs, fencing restoration, invasive species control, and improved access and safety features—key steps in preserving the long-term sustainability of Sligo's outdoor walking network. 'This €50,000 investment in five Sligo trails is a very welcome boost for local outdoor recreation. The selected trails are not only enjoyed by residents but also serve as major attractions for tourists exploring the breathtaking natural landscapes of Sligo,' said Minister of State Marian Harkin. 'These improvements will help maintain the integrity and accessibility of the trails while protecting environmental features and enhancing user safety. I commend Sligo Leader Partnership and the many community and landowner stakeholders involved for their dedication to the promotion of outdoor activity as a core part of enhancing rural infrastructure and strengthening rural communities,' Minister Harkin concluded.
Irish Examiner
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Case of Cork woman refused access to her dead husband's sperm raised in Seanad
'Highly sensitive and complex factors' would need to be fully resolved before a decision could be made on whether the State should fund the posthumous use of spouse's eggs or sperm in assisted human reproduction, according to a junior minister. Minister of state Marian Harkin was responding in the Seanad to a question posed in the case of Macroom woman Melanie Dineen, whose late husband Dylan Fleming had given written consent for her to use his frozen sperm to conceive their child after his death. However, Ms Dineen has been informed she cannot proceed with IVF through the public system using the frozen samples, because there is no protocol in place to cover such a scenario. Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan raised the case in the Seanad, describing it as 'heartbreaking and unjust'. Ms Harkin said she could not talk about individual cases. But she said: 'There are potentially highly sensitive and complex factors which arise here and these would need to be fully teased out, resolved and a firm decision agreed upon before it is decided whether, notwithstanding what is permitted in the relevant legislation, the State should fund this very distinct form of AHR treatment." Ms Harkin said health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was focused "through the full implementation of the model of care for fertility, on ensuring that patients receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced AHR treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the public health system". She said Ms Carroll MacNeill was 'eager to see' how the scheme could be grown either through widening criteria or the range of services available. 'The minister hopes to be in a position to announce a clear plan of action in this regard in the coming weeks.' Read More Grieving Cork woman is being 'blocked' from having a child with dead husband
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Funding of €250,000 allocated for repairs at Sligo harbours
and Mullaghmore harbours. The allocation is part of a €4.33 million funding allocation to support 57 marine infrastructure projects across 11 coastal local authorities. Minister Marian Harkin has described the allocation of €250,000 for works at the three Sligo marine sites by Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD as an important step in maintaining and developing publicly owned marine assets in the county Deputy Harkin said: 'This significant investment in our marine infrastructure is a clear signal of the Government's support for coastal and rural communities and represents a strong partnership with local councils. The overall cost of the three projects is estimated at €334,000 so the €250,000 allocation marks a huge investment by the Department of the Marine. The planned improvements will not only enhance safety and access at vital fishery and aquaculture-related facilities but also provide an important boost to local economies, tourism, and marine leisure activities.' The funding is being made available under the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, which assists local authorities in maintaining and developing publicly owned marine assets. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will administer the scheme, co-funding up to 75% of eligible project costs—up to a maximum of €187,500 per project—with the remaining costs to be covered by Sligo Co Council. Among the 57 projects approved are three in County Sligo, with a total funding allocation of €250,500, including: Enniscrone Pier: Repairs to masonry walls and deck, and replacement of navigation aids – €185,625 Raghly Harbour: Masonry wall and winch repairs, installation of new ladder and mooring rings – €13,875 Mullaghmore Harbour: Repairs to masonry harbour walls – €51,000 Deputy Harkin added: 'Enniscrone, Raghly, and Mullaghmore are essential parts of our local marine infrastructure. These upgrades will ensure safety, sustainability, and enhanced usability for all those working and engaging with the sea—whether for fishing, aquaculture, or recreation. 'I commend the proactive approach taken by local councils in preparing and delivering these applications. It is a testament to the recognition of our marine assets as vital lifelines for coastal communities. 'This funding represents real progress for our coastal towns and villages. I encourage continued collaboration between the Department and local authorities to ensure the timely completion of all approved projects ahead of the November claim deadline.'
