Donegal at the moment has the record as the county with the highest amount of
unemployment at the moment. As it stands the rate of unemployment stands at 26.2
% compared to roughly 12% in 2006 in the boom times (Source:http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/l...2011-1-4269190) . On
top of this there is a lot of NAMA property in the area (http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/l...egal-1-2923504) so the
area is a prime area where there is going to be a high rate of emmigration and
lack of opportunity. Im proposing the following.
The population of
Letterkenny is approx 19,500 thousand people and there is an airport in Derry
(1/2 hr away) and there is Donegal Carrickfinn Airport (1 Hour away). Killybegs
could also be used as a ferry service. A series of co-ops could set up
businesses and seek the legalisation of cannabis and weed, prostitution and the
setting up of some more pubs and accommodation however all in the control of
local people under a co-operative model. Using abandoned NAMA buildings we could
create a strong theatre scene, arts scene, film scene and a base from which to
explore the area surrounding which has a national park and a base from which to
explore the surrounding area.
A part of the locality could be used to
create a University with links to insitutes around the world for looking at
nanotechnology, renewable energy, genetic engineering, food production. There
are strong swells around the coast that can be used to look at membrane
technology and the land surrounding is perfect for looking into crops that are
to grow in hardy conditions. The whole town could be self sufficient through
heaters and greenhouses powered by solar energy.
Letterkenny the New Amsterdam?
ReplyDeleteDen! Den! What are you thinking of. You know me for almost 10 years now and being a Ramelton man, we are part of Letterkenny. Prostitution? cannabis? The Irish version of Amsterdam ? Letterkenny is bad enough as it is without being made into the capital of drugs and prostitution. I understand that most tourists thank of Amsterdam as being a fantastic place where you can get high and have a ride for the exchange of money. BUT, it is no coincidence that the Europe’s major human trafficking and drug gangs are based in Amsterdam. Most people think of Amsterdam as being a very seedy place, despite the arts and culture that may be there. Take me for instance. I am single and I can guarantee if I went over to Amsterdam for a weekend, 90% of people, if not more, would think I went there for a bit of “HOWS YER FATHER” This red light district, which is only a very small street as far as I heard, takes away from Amsterdam and gives it the name and reputation of being the vice capital of Europe. Don’t get me wrong Den, there are big issues with unemployment in Letterkenny, and in my opinion, this is mostly down to the fact that Co.Donegal is the missing county. What I mean by missing, is it does not exists to the republic of Ireland and also RTE and the D4s who seem to run media. I could have a long conversation about this, but I think by the time I would have finished, there would be enough for a book. Also we have a very good art and theatre scene and also, it would be far better having the ferry at Rathmullan were Europe’s best natural harbour is, Lough Swilly. The only people who gain in Amsterdam’s red district, is the pushers and pimps, as far as I can see. Here is a brilliant video, you should watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfFzCDIQ_a8
The prostitution argument I have heard numerous times on the exploitation of women but if you see what they did in Sweden it drove prostitution under ground and thereby made things worse. By legalising it we are empowering women and men and providing jobs to those whom may not have as many hang ups on sex. Irish peopel have too much Catholic guilt and hang ups about sex these days! Donegal is in need of jobs and its a model we could look at to provide jobs!
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