Fingal county council, Dublin's largest local authority by size, has developed a new website for businesses and jobseekers affected by the downturn. The site aims to help the area cope with "significant local economic and employment challenges".

Fingalworks.ie describes itself as a "one-stop-shop information resource" for jobseekers and businesses in Fingal. The website provides information about training, further education, social welfare, employment and redundancy, as well as career advice for jobseekers.

It also provides information and options to businesses in the areas of advice, feasibility studies, business plans, mentoring, training, finance, networking and locating premises, the council said.

The website was developed by Fingal county council's economic and social Development Division in response to what it calls a "changing economic and employment situation".

"Fingal prides itself in being one of the most economically vibrant areas in the country," said David O'Connor, Fingal county manager. "However, national economic difficulties have not passed us by and significant local economic and employment challenges now exist. In this regard, the council has taken a leading role in dealing with many of the challenges and issues now facing our residents and businesses, with Fingalworks.ie being one element of this''.

The county manager added that "Fingalworks.ie is not a magic solution to unemployment or for businesses experiencing difficulties, but often the key to solving problems is having access to the correct knowledge and information when needed. The website is free, has information from a variety of agencies, and will be updated daily".

For further information, contact Ann Murphy, assistant communications officer, Fingal county council (01-8704453 or 087-9908470) or email ann.murphy@fingalcoco.ie.