‘Lack of job creation in West Cork’

WORRYING employment and migration figures have emerged in the south-west corner of the country, fuelling concern that the region is in economic free-fall.

Statistics released by the CSO showed the numbers of people signing on the live register in Bantry, Bandon, Clonakilty and Skibbereen were all up last month in comparison with March 2005. There were nearly 130 more people signing on in these areas compared to the corresponding month last year.

In contrast, the numbers signing on in Cork city fell by more than 500 while they were down by more than 100 in Midleton and nearly 100 in Carrigaline. They were also down, but to a far lesser extent, in Macroom, Kinsale and Fermoy.