The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
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.