Jobless figures continuing to rise across Kerry

February 1991

JOBLESS figures for Kerry have increased by three per cent in the last year. And Killarney and Dingle have shown a 12 and 11 per cent increase in unemployment respectively, with Listowel and Killorglin showing a six and five per cent increase respectively.

These figures are based on the number of people on the live register under 65 years of age and receiving social welfare assistance and benefits from the State.

“The seasonal element includes the run-up to Christmas, when many part-time staff are laid off when companies have fulfilled their Christmas orders. A seasonal element can be seen in September, when this group of ‘Christmas workers’ are taken on. Most of these people sign on the dole and thus add to the number on the live register,” said Kevin McCormack, a statistician with the CSO.

Of the 1,482 people unemployed in Killarney, 75 per cent are over 25 years of age. The proportion of male-to-female unemployed in the town is 59 per cent to 41 per cent respectively. In December 1989, the number on the live register was 1,302, thus signifying overall increase of 12 per cent in the last year.

In Dingle, 83 per cent of the 488 unemployed are over 25, and the proportion of male-to-female is 62 per cent to 38 per cent respectively.

In Listowel, 75 per cent of the 1,800 unemployed are over 25 with a 77 to 33 per cent proportion in males to females.

Killorglin has shown an overall five per cent increase over the last year. Almost 80 per cent of these are over 25 with a 77 per cent to 23 per cent proportion of males to females respectively.

Towns to experience a decrease in unemployment in the last year include Cahersiveen six per cent, Kenmare, two per cent and Tralee, two per cent.

Labour Party leader, Dick Spring has expressed his concern about the rise in the numbers out of work. He said that at present the job opportunities in the area are very limited and ‘ this is very worrying’, he said.