South Kerry is poised for a £3.8 million jobs boost

December 1991

A MAJOR drive to stimulate the economy of South Kerry and boost job creation there is to get underway in January with an investment of almost £2 million in EC and Government funds.

And it is hoped that this will be matched over the next two years by a similar figure from the private sector, bringing the total investment to £3.8 million.

The breakthrough follows years of preparatory work by different groups working in South Kerry, culminating in an application by community group CRESP, Community Response for Economic and Social Progress, for inclusion in the EC’s Leader Programme.

CRESP is an umbrella group set up in South Kerry under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress consisting of representatives of State agencies, trade unions, employers, farming organisations and other community groups in the area.

Its success in securing South Kerry’s inclusion as a pilot area under the Leader Programme will mean it will be able to offer technical advice to and carry out feasibility studies for projects which cannot otherwise qualify for grant aid.

Already 120 projects in South Kerry have applied for assistance from CRESP and those projects will be assessed in the coming weeks before a number will be selected for support.

The announcement of South Kerry’s inclusion in the Leader Programe was welcomed this week by CRESP Company Secretary, Assistant County Development Officer Denis Cournane, who said he hoped it would lead to the creation of employment in areas like Kenmare, Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Milltown, Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem.

“The whole thing is geared towards quality products no matter what they are and if we can improve the quality we can get more people into the area,” said Mr Cournane. “We want to create a better environment for the creation of wealth. Jobs will hopefully follow on from that.”

Attempts to secure EC assistance for projects in South Kerry to arrest emigration by the creation of employment began when a group led by Kells school teacher Eamon Langford travelled on deputation to Brussells, said Mr Cournane. Another group involved along the way was IRD South-West Kerry which was initially involved in drawing up the application for inclusion in the Leader Programme.

South Kerry is one of eight Irish areas included for funding of Leader Programme grants.

Carol singers from Listowel’s Presentation Convent all wrapped up from the cold.