The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
First full-time jobs increase for Kerry Gaeltachts in a decade
ÚDARÁS na Gaeltachta’s endof-year review for 2016 has shown full-time employment within its client companies in Kerry Gaeltacht regions rising last year – the first time this has happened since 2006.
A total of 65 new jobs were created between the Kerry Gaeltacht regions of Corca Dhuibhne and Uíbh Ráthach last year, but the closure of a number of small companies left the county with a net growth of six jobs for 2016. In total, there were 671 people holding fulltime positions within Údarás client companies at the end of last year.
While the county’s net growth is modest, it does bring a halt to a run of nine annual reports showing a decrease in full-time employment.
Most Gaeltacht regions’ current number of full-time jobholders has dropped since 2006. By the end of that year, 864 people held full-time employment in Údarás client companies in Kerry.
Only Gaeltachtaí in Galway and Cork have increased their tally in that time; Donegal has been hardest hit, losing almost 350 full-time posts.
Údarás na Gaeltachta Cathaoirleach Steve Ó Cúláin told The Kerryman that approvals of projects during 2016 will bring 50 jobs to Kerry’s two Gaeltacht areas, with €2,400,000 to be invested in these projects once operational. These projects will be based mainly in the fields of manufacturing; food and drink; and crafts.
He also expressed confidence that a number of development plans in Kerry will prove beneficial as they unfold over the next few years.
Meanwhile, the Múscraí Gaeltacht – just past the county bounds with Cork – enjoyed an excellent 2016, as Údarás client companies in Cork gained 61 full-time employees last year.
It brings to 675 the total number of people with full time employment at Údarás clients in Cork Gaeltachtaí, the county’s highest tally since 2008.
Dónal Ó Liatháin of Údarás’ Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh office welcomed the news, and told The Kerryman that the Múscraí region’s ‘strong entrepreneurial tradition’ combined with its advantageous location between hubs like Killarney, Macroom and Cork city is reaping rewards.