Gain of just one job in Gaeltachts since end of ‘17
A TOTAL of 56 new jobs were created in the Kerry Gaeltacht regions of Corca Dhuibhne and Uíbh Ráthach in 2018 – but reductions in fish-processing companies and small companies in the crafts and food and drink sectors mean there has been a net increase of just one job in the regions since 2017.
It brings the number of people in full-time positions within Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies on the Dingle and Iveragh peninsulas to 688 by the end of 2018.
While the number of fulltime jobs in client companies has risen by 24 since the end of 2015, it remains a long way back from the end-of-2006 figure, which saw 864 people in fulltime employment in Údarás client companies.
With the economic downturn in the noughties, there were nine consecutive years of decline in this figure.
A total of six new businesses were created in the Kerry Gaeltacht regions in 2018, with 23 people working in these companies by the year’s end.
“It is encouraging that the approval of a number of projects [in Kerry] during the year will see 47 new jobs created and a total investment of €2.5 million when the projects are brought to fruition,” the end-of year report outline.
“The majority of projects will be in the food and drinks; tourism; and information technology sectors.”
The report also outlined that 78 people were employed on social employment schemes by the year’s end, while a total of €250,000 was approved for two language plans in the county last year. Funding of €244,000 was also made available to four organisations under the Community Development Programme in 2018. THERE was double cause for celebration for Foodshare Kerry in recent days, as the not-forprofit organisation scooped funding worth €12,200 from two separate initiatives – funding which will help establish a social community store in Tralee, it is hoped.
Foodshare Kerry is an initiative by St Vincent de Paul and NEWKD (North and East West Kerry Development). It rescues good surplus food from supermarkets and producers before bringing it to organisations who distribute this food to those in need.
The not-for-profit received €2,200 under the Community Services Programme Support Fund and €10,000 for winning first prize in the Social Enterprise Development Fund Showcase Event at the Royal College of Physicians.
The latter funding lot came via an online public vote after member Courtney Sheehy made a pitch to an audience of 100.
Project Manager Rob Carey explained to The Kerryman that his group originally applied for the more lucrative ‘Accelerator Programme’ but were unsuccessful. However, he was delighted to receive mentorship from the organisers since then in fine-tuning the pitch, which clearly worked well as Ms Sheehy made the best impression of all those who pitched on the night to win the €10,000.
“We were delighted with the win, and we now hope it helps to establish a social community store in Tralee, where we would have some of the quality surplus food we collect on offer at an affordable price,” he told The Kerryman.
“We would also like to provide education on things like understanding food labels, household budgeting, reducing food waste, and other organisations that can help.”
It is also hoped a kitchen accompanying the store will make food deemed as waste viable again.