PRESS RELEASE

9 March 2012

LOCAL MSP CALLS FOR ACTION ON GREEN JOBS

Duncan McNeil MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde has urged the First Minister to take action to ensure that green manufacturing jobs are brought to the area.

The news follows the revelation that Scottish Enterprise is currently developing a third National Renewable Infrastructure Plan which is due to be published this summer.

Inverclyde has already missed out on renewable jobs with the Scottish Government prioritising spending in other areas of Scotland such as Dundee and Fife.

A bid for funding to set up a renewable energy facility at Inchgreen dry dock in Greenock was rejected last year.

The local MSP has requested a meeting with Scottish Enterprise and has sought assurance from the Chief Executive that Inverclyde will not lose out again.

Duncan McNeil said;

“The development of a third renewables plan provides Scottish Enterprise the perfect opportunity to re-consider Inverclyde’s potential”.

“We have the skills, infrastructure and workforce to become a renewable manufacturing hub and I have requested a meeting with the Chief Executive to ensure our potential is fully recognised”.

“The First Minister recently expressed his optimistic view of the renewable opportunities on the West Coast of Scotland and has stated that every port in Scotland is set to benefit. But we need action from the First Minister not just warm words to ensure that Greenock and Inverclyde are part of the renewables future”.