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Featured BTWEA Business – Killorglin Driving School

Killorglin Driving School by Joanne Griffin

 

Let Killorglin Driving School guide you along the road to driving success, so that when the day your driving test arrives, you can be sure that you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pass your test.  Killorglin Driving School is an RSA approved Driving School which is owned and solely run by Florence Foley, a fully qualified ADI driving instructor.

Florence prides herself on delivering a high standard of customer service, while remaining focused on a high pass rate. Lessons are tailored to suit individual requirements and Florence specializes in catering for nervous drivers and complete beginners where lessons can be conducted on dual controls. Florence’s experience will be your success!

Killorglin Driving School uses simple step by step techniques to assist and equip you with the learning skills, attitude and behavior aspects required within the driving environment. Killorglin Driving School is available seven days a week for tuition either in your own vehicle or the driving school car, where all known test routes will be covered.

Further details of this new venture can be found by speaking directly to Florence on 087 2250 544, by email on [email protected] or on face book @ Killorglin Driving School

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2013 with the help of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) facilitated by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP). This scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to take up self employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits.

For further information on the BTWEA or STEA, please contact an Enterprise Officer from SKDP in your area. Joanne Griffin (Killorglin and Kenmare) on 087 615 2660 or Anne O Riordan (Cahersiveen and Killarney) on 066 947 2724.

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Major Kerry Way Folklore Project begins

A major new project to enhance the attractiveness of the Kerry Way to visitors using Folklore has been announced by Bealoideas Chiarraí in association with Kerry Group and South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP).

The project aims to enhance the experience of those using the Kerry Way through incorporating the folklore and heritage of the route into their journey through the most modern communication methods such as phone apps and a website. Bealoideas Chiarraí chairman John O’Connor explained that those using the route can now become immersed in the lives and existence of the people who lived along the route through the app with information on the way of life, old traditions and stories of the region being available in real time to them as they walk. This is the 1st phase of a project which will take several years to complete. This phase will take in sections of the route between Killarney and Glenbeigh.

Researchers from Active Me, who have won the contract to carry out the project, will be in contact with those living along the Kerry Way over the next six months. They will be seeking information regarding sites, scenes and stories, the folklore of the area, in order to provide extensive details available on places, practises and points of interest. The company, under Brian Coakley, will also be taking photographs of sites and areas of interest along the route.

John O’Connor said that Bealoideas Chiarraí is indebted to SKDP and Kerry Group for their assistance in getting this project under way in conjunction with the RDP Leader programme operated by SKDP. He added that they are also very indebted to those living along the Kerry Way, without whose assistance in providing material to the researchers, this project would not be possible.

Commenting on the project, Noel Spillane, CEO of South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd noted that one of the key aims of the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme is to develop and utilise rural heritage resources in a sustainable manner by, and for the good of the community. This project by enhancing the experience of those using the Kerry way by incorporating the folklore & heritage of the route through modern communication methods, will achieve this aim.    

Speaking about the new initiative, Mr Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kerry Group said:  “Kerry Group is delighted to be involved in the development of this innovative project. In this digital age, the modern traveller wants to actively engage with their surroundings through an array of devices. This project will provide a unique visitor experience of the Kerry Way, the region, its culture and its people Not only will it play an important role in increasing tourism in the region, but it will also ensure the survival of local heritage from the past, giving both visitors and locals a new perspective on the area”.

Bealoideas Chiarraí have been collecting folklore and running seminars and training events regarding our rich folklore heritage for the past 9 years in association with FAS, The Trustees of Muckross House LTD, Coillte , SKDP, UCD, University of Limerick  and Kerry County Council.

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Networking Night develops business opportunities in Killarney

A networking night on Thursday last for all clients in the Killarney area who are on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and Short Term Enterprise Allowance Scheme has opened up new business opportunities for many of them. The event, run by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. (SKDP), is aimed at enabling the new entrepreneurs make contact with other businesses at a similar stage and develop compatible opportunities through working together. The event was held in the Gleneagle Hotel.

Among the speakers that addressed the entrepreneurs were SKDP’s CEO Noel Spillane, Colm Healy of Skellig Chocolates, Micheal Kenneally of the Department of Social Protection and Paul Murphy of South Kerry Skillnets.

Opening proceedings, Colm Healy invited all of those present to introduce themselves to the others. SKDP Enterprise Officer Anne O’Riordan said that “this was not just an excellent ice – breaker but it was an extremely beneficial relationship building activity in its own right which clients found very invigorating, informative and motivating”.

Mr. Healy went on to suggest to the business owners that they needed to be their own customers and to evaluate what they do through the eyes of a customer so as to ensure they are providing what the customer needs and expects. “Aim for the moon and you may hit the sky but aim for the top of the building and you might never get off the ground” was his advice to them in developing their businesses in the future. He also said that it is vital that they, as business owners, believe in what they do.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane pointed out that on-going support to small businesses is vitally important – particularly in the early years of the business.  “This support can be the difference between success and failure” he added.  He said that there tends to be a focus by agencies on supporting new business start-ups – but it is vitally important that those that are supported to establish a business can access on-going supports if they are to survive beyond the initial start up phase, enable them to grow the business and prosper. 

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and the Short Term Enterprise Allowance schemes offer qualifying people the chance to retain all or some of their social welfare entitlements for a period while they are setting up the business. In addition, other assistance such as grant aid for training or for capital elements relating to the business may be available.

For further information on the schemes please contact Enterprise Officers Anne O’Riordan for the Cahersiveen or Killarney areas on 066 9472724 or Joanne Griffin for the Killorglin and Kenmare areas on 066 9761615. You can also check out www.southkerry.ie. Further such networking evenings are planned for other areas of South Kerry later in the year.

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Looking for farmers in Kerry to provide Social Farming Opportunities

Kerry Social Farming Project –Closing Date Extended

The Kerry Social Farming project is a new initiative in the County to help build closer links between the farming community and people with additional needs. The aim of the project is to establish a number of Social Farms in County Kerry which will open their farm gate to people with additional needs to come and spend time on their farm and enjoy the experience of being with animals and plants in a safe and friendly environment. While on the farms people will be encouraged to participate in the farming activities of the day and build relationships with the wider community. In Social Farming, the farm remains a working farm at its core but invites people to participate in the activities of the farm.

The Kerry Social Farming project is being promoted through a working group which consist of members from South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd, Kerry Parents and Friends, St John of God Kerry Services, Cunamh Iveragh and Kerry Down Syndrome. While this is a new project for Kerry, Social farming is well developed in other EU countries and in the Border Region in Ireland through the Social Farming Across Borders which is supported by the European Union’s INTERRIG IVA Programme.  Further information on this project can be found at www.socialfarmingacrossborders.org

The Kerry Social Farming working group would like to hear from farmers who would like to learn more about the project with a view to becoming one of the active Social Farms in the County in the future. The working group have an open mind on the type of farm required and training will be provided to assist farmers that want to develop a Social Farm. If you are interested in putting your name forward please send a short expression of interest letter to:

Joseph McCrohan, Rural Development Officer, South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd,

West Main Street, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. by 5.00pm on Friday 23rd  August 2013

e-mail: [email protected]                                

Tel 066 9472724 or 0872849165.

Or

Seamus O’Hara, North & East Kerry Development, Clash, Tralee by 5.00pm on Friday 23rd August 2013

e-mail: [email protected]

Tel 066 9180190 or 0871231429

 

 

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Valentia Island Lighthouse

On Sunday the 2nd of June the Valentia Island Lighthouse at Cromwell Point was opened to the public for the first time.  This would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Kerry County Council; South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) and Valentia Island Development Company. The County Manager Tom Curran, the CEO of the Irish Lights, Yvonne Shields and Sean de Buitlear of SKDP,  all spoke at the opening and conveyed how happy they were to be involved this project.

The lighthouse project would not have been feasible without the help received from SKDP .The site required a great deal of work to comply with Health & Safety standards before it could be open to the public.  This work was facilitated by SKDP through its TÚS & RSS employment schemes.

The day to day running of the lighthouse is currently managed by 6 TÚS workers who facilitate its summer opening times; 11am to 5:30pm 7 days a week. To date, they have guided over a thousand people around the lighthouse and all feedback has been very positive.

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Featured BTWEA Business – Dairy Delights Homemade Ice Cream

Dairy Delights Homemade Ice-cream by Joanne Griffin

Hire an experience – a memory to treasure!

Why not make a special day that bit more memorable by having a classic ice cream cart and ice cream expert present to give out homemade, handmade Dairy Delights ice cream to your guests?

At Dairy Delights, Eva Grafstrom feels really privileged to be involved with something which gives others so much pleasure and enjoyment. Her ice cream is made with a total commitment to quality and a genuine love for what she does. Dairy Delights Ice Cream can offer its customers new and exciting products that match trends, growing with demand to buy fresh, natural and wholesome country made produce.

From the very start of the business using a recipe that dates back eighty years or more, there has been an emphasis on balancing nutrition with luxurious quality. Eva is a passionate and highly professional lady with a strong creative drive, entrepreneurial qualities and business acumen and it is to this end that this new venture has emerged.

Whilst striving to create stunningly flavored ice cream Eva uses no preservatives or artificial additives. Dairy Delights has created all their ice creams on the philosophy that unless you put the best things in, you can’t expect to get the best out.

Eva can usually be found trading at a Farmers Market near you from Kenmare to Killarney, Tralee and beyond. However, if you are planning a dinner party, BBQ, wedding, corporate function or fete, Dairy Delights would be happy to discuss your requirements by mobile on 087 612 2570 or by email on [email protected]

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2011 with the help of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) facilitated by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP). This scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to take up self employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits.

For further information on the BTWEA, please contact an Enterprise Officer from SKDP in your area. Joanne Griffin (Killorglin and Kenmare) on 087 615 2660 or Anne O Riordan (Cahersiveen and Killarney) on 066 947 2724.

 

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Featured STEA Business

Rachel John Counselling Services by Joanne Griffin

We all have times in our lives that are more difficult than others. Sometimes this leads to our feelings and emotions becoming overwhelming or out of control or more than we can cope with. Counselling offers time, space and safety to express feelings; to feel understood and to discover the way forward. Counselling can enable people to recognise their strengths and find more effective ways of coping.

Rachel John Counselling Services offers an emphatic, safe, and confidential environment in which to explore any issues that are troubling you.  Rachel’s philosophy is to foster an environment that promotes diversity, equality, deep learning and growth in a humanistic and integrative manner.

Rachel graduated with a BA degree in Counselling and Psychometric Testing from the National Counselling Institute of Ireland in Limerick and has also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with PCI College, Dublin.

This dynamic new business was established by Rachel John in 2013 as a private practice based in Milltown, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Rachel also works closely with the Killorglin Family Resource Centre where there exists a strong commitment to delivering a low-cost, confidential counselling service to all members of the community.

In times gone by, Counselling held a stigma for many people. Mental Health issues were something to be avoided. Thankfully today, people are beginning to recognise the benefits that counselling can provide. Rachel is familiar with the poignancy and delicacy of the mixed feelings that a client may experience – part of a person may want to go for counselling and part will definitely not. However, it is at this stage that a client needs to let go of the immense pressure that has been built up by a denial that one is “absolutely ok”.

Further details of this new venture can be found on www.racheljohncounselling.com by email at [email protected] on facebook @ Rachel John Counselling Services or speak directly to Rachel on 085 216 0125

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2013 with the help of the Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) facilitated by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP). This scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to take up self employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits.

For further information on the BTWEA or STEA, please contact an Enterprise Officer from SKDP in your area. Joanne Griffin (Killorglin and Kenmare) on 087 615 2660 or Anne O Riordan (Cahersiveen and Killarney) on 066 947 2724.

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Many new links established amongst small business owners in the Killorglin area

More than 50 small business owners from the Greater Killorglin area attended a Networking Night in the Manor Inn on Thursday last as part of an initiative to encourage them to develop new beneficial links and establish new business opportunities amongst themselves. The initiative was organised through the Back to Work and Short Term Enterprise Allowance schemes administered by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. Amongst the speakers at the event were SKDP CEO Noel Spillane, Colm Healy owner of Skellig Chocolates, Gail McCarthy from the Department of Social Protection and Paul Murphy of SKDP Skillnets.

In his address, Colm Healy pointed out that business owners must have confidence in what they do and not to undervalue what they do and what they are worth. He also stressed to the business owners the importance of having a business plan and a strategic plan as he pointed out that if you don’t know where you are going, you can’t get there. Mr. Healy also emphasised the need for a business to decide on the end goal.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane pointed out that on-going support to small businesses is vitally important – particularly in the early years of the business.  “This support can be the difference between success and failure” he added.  He said that there tends to be a focus by agencies on supporting new business start-ups – but it is vitally important that those that are supported to establish a business can access on-going supports if they are to survive beyond the initial start up phase, enable them to grow the business and prosper.  Noel added that networking evenings such as this are important in terms of ensuring that small businesses are aware of these continuing supports and how they can access them as well as giving them an opportunity to establish new business contacts with other small business owners in their area..

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and the Short Term Enterprise Allowance schemes offer qualifying people the chance to retain all or some of their social welfare entitlements for a period while they are setting up the business. In addition, other assistance such as grant aid for training or for capital elements relating to the business may be available. To date this year some 130 people in South Kerry have availed of the schemes.

Organiser of last Thursday night’s event, Enterprise Officer Joanne Griffin said that she received phenomenal feedback from her clients since the event and they found the presentations very informative and motivating.

For further information on the schemes please contact Enterprise Officers Anne O’Riordan for the Cahersiveen or Killarney areas on 066 9472724 or Joanne Griffin for the Killorglin and Kenmare areas on 066 9761615. You can also check out www.southkerry.ie. Further such networking evenings are planned for other areas of South Kerry later in the year.

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ILDN Makes Submissions to Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly

The Irish Local Development Network, the body that represents the Local Development Companies in Ireland such as SKDP, has made a submission to the Southern and Eastern Assembly in relation to the new round of European Regional Development Funding due to come on stream in 2014 and run to 2012. The submission goes through many of the issues to be addressed through this fund and indicates the approach ILDN would like to see implemented.

To read the submission in full please click on this link

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Featured BTWEA Business – Sinéad Hurley Homeopathy

Sinéad Hurley Homeopathy by Joanne Griffin

“Homeopathy cures a larger percentage of cases than any other treatment and is beyond all doubt safer, more economical, and the most complete medical science,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

Homeopathic remedies are made from highly-diluted tinctures from plants, animals, and minerals and prescribed to stimulate and strengthen the body’s own healing response or immune system. Sinéad Hurley is a licensed, registered homeopath with the Irish Society of Homeopaths having studied at the Irish School of Homeopathy in Cork for four years. Sinéad is in the process of giving talks and lectures on homeopathy, remedies for use in travel and during cold and flu season at local schools, community centre’s, libraries, and businesses. Having an extensive background in adult education, Sinéad is happy to give talks or courses to interested groups

Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine, which means that the whole person is treated. An initial consultation with Sinéad can last between 1 and 1 ½ hours. At this consultation, you may be asked details of your medical history, plus any information relevant to your situation.

This dynamic new business was established by Sinéad Hurley in 2013 and is located in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Along with her clinic in Kenmare, Sinéad has opened a new clinic in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Sinéad’s philosophy is to offer her clients a 5 star service coupled with the highest quality of advice and treatment at the right price. Sinéad takes great pride in ensuring she listens to client needs.

Further details of this exciting new venture can be found on www.sineadhurleyhomeopath.com or you can also contact Sinéad directly on 087 20 40 200 or email [email protected]

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2013 with the help of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) facilitated by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP). This scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to take up self employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits.

For further information on the BTWEA, please contact an Enterprise Officer from SKDP in your area. Joanne Griffin (Killorglin and Kenmare) on 087 615 2660 or Anne O Riordan (Cahersiveen and Killarney) on 066 947 2724.