Employment levels continue to rise in areas across the Midlands-North West, according to latest figures, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“The latest Labour Force Survey published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows there are 2,713,400 people at work nationally. That’s the highest rate of employment Ireland has ever seen.
“Employment has increased by 50,500 since January 2023, and we have seen a 7,700 increase in the last few months alone. This is a clear indicator of the continued momentum and resilience in our labour market.
“The figures show that nationwide full-time employment increased by 2.3% in the past year, while part-time employment increased by 0.5% – this record rate is evident in areas across the Midlands-North West.
“Behind these statistics are real people, and I have met many of them during my time as an MEP over the past five years. Hard working people continue to contribute to the vibrancy in our communities across the Midlands-North West, as well as the length and breadth of Ireland.
“This data is further evidence that Fine Gael has stayed true to its commitment to job creation. Back in 2020, the Programme for Government set out to create 200,000 new jobs by 2025. Since then, employment has increased by 542,900.
“It is important not to take this progress for granted. This picture of Ireland is a far cry from the record numbers of unemployment which existed when Fine Gael first came to government.
“A vote for Fine Gael representatives across Midlands-North West is a vote for continued robust jobs growth across the 15 counties, to protect you and your family and ensure these positive trends continue,” MEP Walsh concluded.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said:
“Once again, the Irish labour market has shown exceptional resilience, with another successive quarter showing a new record for the highest number of people employed ever in our country. In April 2024, the monthly unemployment rate stood at 4.4%.
“It is encouraging to see that more than half of the jobs created in the past year were outside of Dublin. Balanced regional development is a core Fine Gael priority and is of utmost importance to me as Minister for Enterprise. It is also very positive to see female participation in the labour market continue to trend upwards, and more women moving from part-time to full-time positions.”
