A DONEGAL councillor has described the announcement by Vertiv that the company will create 200 new jobs across the North West as “a moment of real hope” for Donegal.
Importantly, 40 per cent of the jobs announced will be based in Donegal, with Burnfoot set to benefit directly from the expansion of Vertiv’s electrical switchgear manufacturing operations.
Cllr Joy Beard said the announcement is about far more than numbers.
“Forty per cent of 200 jobs is significant for Donegal, and particularly for Burnfoot and Inishowen. These are real opportunities for local families,” Cllr Beard said.
“This means young people can see a future for themselves here at home. It means skilled workers don’t have to leave the peninsula to build a career. It means parents can work closer to their children and spend more time with their families.”
The recruitment drive will include roles in manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance and support functions, with electricians, panel wirers, mechanical fitters and general operators among those being sought as the company expands production capacity to meet growing global demand.
Cllr Beard said the ripple effect of this investment will be felt across the community.
“When jobs are created in Burnfoot, the whole of Inishowen benefits. Local businesses benefit. Service providers benefit. Confidence grows. It strengthens our local economy in a very real way.
“We have always known the talent exists in Inishowen. This expansion is a clear vote of confidence in our workforce and our ability to compete globally.”
However, Cllr Beard stressed that growth must be supported properly.
“If we are to sustain and build on this level of investment, we must ensure we have the infrastructure to support it. That means improved transport links, safe and reliable road networks, and crucially, the delivery of affordable homes for workers and their families.
“Employment growth and housing supply must go hand in hand. We cannot welcome new jobs without ensuring people can live locally and commute safely.”
Vertiv, which operates in more than 130 countries and employs over 2,000 people in Ireland, supplies power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions to data centres and communications networks worldwide. The expansion is being driven in part by rising demand linked to the rapid adoption of AI technology.
Cllr Joy Beard concluded: “This is the kind of sustainable, meaningful growth we want to see in Inishowen. Growth that keeps families together, supports communities and builds a strong future for the next generation.”
Cllr Beard congratulated the workforce and management at the Burnfoot facility and encouraged those interested to apply as recruitment begins.
