Abstract
Several well-known labour market trends have contributed to the unease among many workers about their employment realities and prospects. The situation is often even more acute in rural areas where the local options are more limited, where the ability to commute to adjacent employment is less practical, and where population levels and the historical industrial & commercial industries are potentially stagnating. The purpose of this study is to explore the strategic responses that can be undertaken by public policy makers, using Ireland’s County Donegal as a case study. While this area has endured out-migration, relatively low per capita incomes and high unemployment, there are sprigs of hope emerging due to the proactive actions of the local post-secondary institution (i.e. the two campuses of the Letterkenny institute of Technology [Lyit]), stakeholders in the tourism industry, and especially governments including Donegal County Council (DCC). In brief, Lyit has successfully positioned itself to satisfy the needs of three different sets of clients: those needing short-term vocational training, those seeking a local university education, and those with an entrepreneurial bent, who would consider starting a business, especially in the technical or tourism/hospitality. Also, the Wild Atlantic Way has been launched by governments to direct tourists to linger along Ireland’s extensive western coast, and County Donegal will likely benefit as much as any jurisdiction from this initiative. Also, the DCC is partnering with neighbouring counties and making investments to stimulate a more open, entrepreneurial business climate. We also note that the actions of Lyit and the DCC seem to be encouraging more for-profit and social enterprise activity at a community level. While the future is uncertain, these actions look promising.