Deputy Noel Coonan has warmly welcomed the establishment of SOLAS, a new authority which will provide further education and training for jobseekers and other learners living in North Tipperary and South Offaly.

The local Fine Gael TD said FAS will be dissolved and the new authority will shine a light on many jobseekers’ dismal situations by helping people acquire new skills to compete in our current economic climate when jobs are less plentiful.

Deputy Coonan said: “I welcome the announced changes because, in this post Celtic tiger era, re-training and upskilling are more important than ever and it’s vital every effort is made to create meaningful employment opportunities. The Fine Gael-led Government is prioritising the further education of our people by establishing a SOLAS Implementation Group to develop an Action Plan and report progress to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs.”

“I’m pleased to see that FAS will be re-created and brought into the modern era so we can afford those who are desperately seeking work the opportunity to further their education and enter what has become a very competitive Labour Market.

“I hope those changes stand the test of time and offer hope to employees, employers and those on the Live Register in North Tipperary and South Offaly,” continued Deputy Coonan.

In cooperation with the Department of Social Protection’s new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as part of the National Employment Action Plan, those on the Live Register in North Tipperary and South Offaly will, for the first time, be systematically referred to further education programmes.

Over time, FÁS Training Centre premises and most FÁS regional staff will be transferred to the VECs, so that VECs will ultimately be responsible for the delivery to the public in an integrated way of both further education and training services. This will strengthen the role of the reformed VECs in their local communities.

Deputy Coonan complimented all those working in FAS and VEC offices in North Tipperary and South Offaly area who will fall under the umbrella of the new authority. “The staff have done trojan work throughout the years and are to be highly commended. It’s anticipated that SOLAS will provide same employees with greater direction and management structure.”

Participants on current FÁS and further education courses will not be affected by the establishment of SOLAS and will continue their courses under the new authority.

Deputy Noel Coonan has welcomed the announcement by Minister of State, Brian Hayes T.D. that funding allocation of over €81,000 has been given to Tipperary North County Council under the Minor Flood Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

The local Fine Gael TD said that Grange Road, Ballina has recieved €47,610 from the Office of Public Works to provide a 12 inch diameter SW piping and associated road gullies for a total distance of 400metres. Clareen Cross, Moyaliff, Ballycahill has been allocated €33,408 to construct approximately 600m of 300mm diameter pipe line and associated accommodation works.

Deputy Coonan has been lobbying Minister Hayes in this regard and said he is “pleased that Minister Hayes has delivered on these two projects.” The projects have been approved by the Office of Public Works and the local Fine Gael TD welcomed the announcement saying that the funding will “target areas that have been continuously plagued by flooding and provide great relief to long-suffering residents and motorists.”