ALMOST 1,000 people emigrated from Fermanagh between the middle of 2010 and 2011 amounting to 1.55% of the county’s population.
The figures recently released by the Northern Ireland Executive show that between mid-2010 and mid 2011, a total of 953 people emigrated from Fermanagh.
Of this figure 566 emigrated to Britain, while 387 emigrated to other countries.
The startling figures highlight the growing number of our young people, who are being forced to look across the water and further afield to find employment.
In breaking down the figures into age brackets the class of 16-39 experienced by far the most movement.
Some 446 people in this age bracket emigrated to Britain between mid 2010 and 2011, with the next closest rate of migration only 54. A similar trend is noted in the emigration to other countries where 210 people between the ages of 16 and 39 left Fermanagh, with those between the ages of 40 and 64 accounting for 84 of the 387.
One young adult from Fermanagh, who has now since emigrated to England admits how she found work relating to her university degree, ‘almost impossible to get in Fermanagh.’
“The reality is those who get a university education will, at the very least have to consider leaving Northern Ireland. Some may be lucky and get jobs in Belfast, but with so many people going for too few jobs, it becomes a very frustrating process.
“As bad as the employment market is for young people, at least there are more opportunities in England. You have no choice but to leave, as the longer you stay unemployed, the less value your education becomes.”
Local Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan suggested the figures ‘are not much of a surprise’.
“I think they’re actually slightly underestimated. DETI and Invest NI need to offer their assistance.
“They are failing miserably and no effort is being made to attract foreign investment in Fermanagh.”
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