Year: 2013

The recent cut of more than 20% in the RDP (LEADER) funding allocation to South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. has resulted in the loss of 4 jobs in the Partnership and substantial reductions in the working hours of a further three staff. Staff were informed of the cuts following the Board meeting on Tuesday which considered the implications of the funding cut.

The crisis meeting also saw the Board consider a system of ranking projects for funding given the project funding available to SKDP as a result of the budget cut falls far short of what is required to cover the significant number of projects seeking funding. Applicants are currently being advised of this ranking system in writing and the Board will meet again in the coming weeks to finalise the funding allocation for projects. It is hoped that funding decisions made on all project applications will be notified to the applicants by the end of June.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane said that the Board deeply regretted having to cut staff numbers in this manner but they were simply left with no choice given the massive cuts in funding announced by the Minister. “We need to maintain a certain level of staffing to enable us to complete the current LEADER programme but we simply could not retain all of our staff” he said. “This is particularly difficult given the amount of work these people have put in over the last number of years with individuals and community groups applying for funding and with one stroke of a pen, the Minister simply pulls the rug out from under us and the people of South Kerry” Noel added.
This is obliviously a major blow also to those individuals and community groups who have made project funding applications and who were depending on this to enable projects go ahead, Noel said. He pointed out that this funding cut will have substantially wider implications for the South Kerry region in general given that it will stifle potential jobs growth and hinder the provision of vital community facilities. It is particularly harsh on the Gaeltacht area of Iveragh given that they were effectively shut out of the programme for more than a year and now the Minister does not see fit to allocate sufficient funding for new projects coming in from this area Noel added.

SKDP Chairperson Patsy Cronin said that we are simply not going to take these cuts lying down and the Board is going to make representations to the Department of the Environment to have the Partnerships original funding allocation restored. “This RDP (LEADER) programme has been mismanaged from the outset by the Department and it is regions such as South Kerry that are now paying the price for this” Patsy added. “The Government should be doing everything possible to facilitate those who are trying to start up new enterprises and expand current enterprises creating badly needed jobs in rural Ireland and not engage in a fund cutting exercise such as this” he concluded.

South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. CEO Noel Spillane said that the organisation is extremely disappointed with the funding allocation it has now received from the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme as announced by Minister Phil Hogan earlier this week.

SKDP’s revised allocation under the programme is €9,998,740 down from an original allocation of €12,370,667, which represents a cut of just over 19%. Included in this revised allocation is a ring-fenced allocation of €196,000 for the South Kerry Gaeltacht area. When the revised allocation is adjusted for the ring-fenced Gaeltacht figure, the actual cut is over 20.7%. CEO of South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd, Noel Spillane noted that the 20.7% cut in budget was a massive reduction in the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme budget for South Kerry and was totally unjustified. Noel Spillane went on to note that the ring fenced allocation of €196,000 for the South Kerry Gealtacht area was totally inadequate given that the MFG legacy files alone exceeded this allocation amount.

“This is an insult to the people of the Gaeltacht” according to CEO Noel Spillane who went on to point out that the RDP (LEADER) programme was effectively closed to these people for more than a year when MFG went out of business and now no funding has been provided to cater for new project applications. “We currently have new project applications with a value of more than €300,000 from the South Kerry Gaeltacht area and this allocation means that we don’t even have sufficient funding available to deal with the older legacy projects” he said.

In relation to the overall RDP (LEADER) allocation for SKDP, Noel Spillane was scathing in his criticism of the amount of funding provided to the Partnership and pointed out that most of the Rural Development (LEADER) programme allocation to projects occurred in the last years of the Programme. “This is because of the amount of development work it takes with programme applicants and the supporting documentation and planning it takes to get a file ready for an application, particularly in relation to larger projects” he said. ” Many people and organisations have put substantial time and effort in putting in project applications under LEADER and it now appears we will not be in a position to providing funding to all of them” Noel said. He added that this comes at a time when communities and businesses in rural areas such as South Kerry are under extreme pressure trying to survive and need all the assistance they can get. “The press release from the Department announcing the release of funding this week under LEADER was particularly misleading in that it gives the impression that plenty of funding is available for projects despite the fact that the Minister clearly knows this is not the case and in fact he has cut funding overall” Noel said. “This is another example of the contempt with which the Government seems to be treating Rural Ireland and the crisis it is facing at present” Noel added

The issue will come before the Board of SKDP at their monthly meeting on Tuesday next and It is anticipated that a formal written compliant will made by SKDP to the Dept. of Environment, Community & Local Government. What additional action to take at both a local and national level to fight these new cuts will be will also be considered.

KGC Bicycle Repairs by Joanne Griffin

KGC (Killorglin General Cycles) Bicycle Repairs is becoming a trusted institution in Killorglin, Co. Kerry due to the personal and informed service that is offered to customers. KGC Bicycle Repairs was founded by Kieron Corcoran who is passionate about bikes and fully experienced to deal with everything from a puncture repair to a full bike rebuild including Go Cart and Buggy repairs.

Kieron tries to cater for all custom from kids to adults and can also provide expert advice on elite bikes that may be custom built to order.  Kieron realises that people are becoming more health conscious and will use cycles not only to commute, but as a form of fitness and relaxation. Cycling to and from work is as good, if not a better, form of healthy living than going to the gym in today’s hectic lifestyle.

KGC Bicycle Repairs customers benefit from the practical and sound advice offered by Kieron on bikes and accessories including clothing, of which Kieron also supplies a comprehensive range of and which can be ordered upon request if not in stock.

KGC Bicycle Repairs are happy to do every type of job from small adjustments to major reconditions, frame repairs and will work on all types of bikes including new and old such as High Nelly’s and also offers a mobile service whereby they will provide a pick up and drop off service.

Further details on KGC Bicycle Repairs can be obtained by contacting Kieron directly on 087 283 3814.

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2012 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.

Kerry County Councillors agreed at their monthly meeting on Monday to submit without a vote three motions in support of the continuation of Partnerships in their current format to Minister Phil Hogan in the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government.

The motions in support of the partnerships, by Cllrs. Toireasa Ferris, Johnny Healy Rae and Matt Griffin, came in the wake of a major public meeting organised by Community Groups in South Kerry that called on the councillors to highlight their support for partnerships and to support their continuation in the current format. (for further information on that meeting  please click on this link)

Under proposals from Minister Phil Hogan, new Socio Economic Committees would be formed and the proposed new RDP (LEADER) Programme would be brought in under the control of the County Councils. This move would effectively result in closure of Partnerships given that the vital source of core multi annual administration funding that LEADER provides would be removed. Local community groups also see this as a move to take away the input and direction they provide in relation to how rural development funding is allocated and spent in their areas. They feel this will lead to the further isolation and neglect of rural areas which are already under serious economic and social pressures.

Most Councillors at the meeting spoke in favour of the retention of the partnerships and a number of them left the meeting sighting conflict of interest. Given the overall support in the chamber, the motions did not go to a vote.

Kenmare Family Centre, in partnership with Southwest Counselling, has launched a new low cost counselling service in Kenmare to help those who face difficulties in the current times.

Deirdre Fleming, Education and Training Co Ordinator for SKDP

“Given the stresses people are facing in their day to day lives now, be it through the economic pressuresor indeed the social pressures, there is a clear need to have services in place to assist people come through these difficult times. Southwest counselling is providing such services in the greater Kenmare Area and we at SKDP are delighted to support their work which we feel will benefit all the community”

Photo supplied courtesy of Ger Cronin

Marianne Wiley Make Up Artist by Joanne Griffin

An understated modern approach to beauty makes Marianne Wiley Make up Artist’s talents indispensable. These skills combined with her infectious personality have helped Marianne to become a favourite with all her clients.

A qualified Beauty Therapist ITEC, CIBTAC and FETAC, Marianne advanced her makeup artistry talents at the LA College of Creative Arts in Dublin. Marianne aims to make every woman feel beautiful, brave and confident.

A vast suite of services are offered by Marianne from Bridal Parties and Special Occasions to Makeup Lessons, Hen Parties and even Girls Night In. Marianne is based in Kenmare but her services can be offered in the comfort of your own home, hotel or a location of your choice throughout Munster. The range of products used by Marianne includes well known and respected designer brands such as: YSL; MAC and Make up Forever Paris.

Marianne is a passionate and highly professional makeup artist with a strong creative drive, entrepreneurial qualities and business acumen and it is to this end that this new venture has emerged.

Further information can be found by contacting Marianne directly on 087 7730775.

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.

A packed public meeting in Killorglin on Thursday night last called on the Kerry County Councillors present to back their words of support for the retention of Partnerships with deeds and to vote in favour of a motion backing Partnerships at the next council meeting.

The meeting in Killorglin was organised by the Iveragh Community Groups against Alignment who are mounting a strong campaign to have proposals by Minister Phil Hogan that would effectively see the closure of Partnership groups such as South Kerry Development Partnership throughout the country. Many of the Councillors present indicated that they were precluded from voting in favour of two such motions previously put down by Cllr. Johnny Healy Rae due to conflict of issue matters. However Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe from the Geography Department of Mary Immaculate College pointed out that such issues did not pose any issue for councillors in other parts of the country who voted unanimously in favour of motions supporting the retention of Partnerships.

Amongst the political representatives who attended the meeting were Munster MEP Phil Prendergast, Deputies Arthur Spring, Tom Fleming and Michael Healy Rae and Senator Marie Moloney while apologies were received from MEP Sean Kelly and Fine Gael Deputy Brendan Griffin who cited the requirement for them to attend other engagements for their non attendance. Among the Kerry County Councillors present were Michael Cahill, Patrick Connor-Scarteen, Johnny Healy-Rae, Brendan Cronin, Matt Griffin, Michael O’Shea, Sean Counihan, Paul O’Donoghue, Torieasa Ferris and P.J Donovan. Killarney Town Councillor Donal O’Grady was also present at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, entrepreneur Jerry Kennelly said that his is totally opposed to the proposals to bring the Rural Development Programme under the County Councils as is proposed in the Alignment initiative. He highlighted the support and assistance he received from both SKDP and NEKD with his entrepreneur programmes. He said that people have lost enough power over the future of Ireland and this was an attempt to take further power out of the hands of the people.

Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, outlined to the meeting how the current proposals are totally at odds with current European Policy on rural development and the delivery of funding to rural communities. He highlighted that the level of bureaucracy in Ireland is on par with Portugal and Greece and these proposals would make the situation even worse. This is also very much at odds with the rest of Europe which is trying to strengthen the role of local democracy not end it. Dr. O’Keeffe added that the current proposals take no account of the facts that independent studies have clearly shown that the Irish model of bottom up community development is the most effective delivery model and rather than dismantling it as is currently proposed, it should be further strengthened to effectively deliver the services to where they are needed.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane pointed out that much of the information around the partnerships that is being put in the public domain at present is false given that there is no duplication of services being provided between the Partnerships and the councils. He also pointed out that the Boards of the Partnerships are in fact strongly democratic given their makeup of community representatives, elected representatives, agencies and social partners and that all partnerships are fully open and accountable for the work they do and the spending they undertake. Furthermore, he pointed out that the partnerships are not opposed to the introduction of the Socio Economic Committees as suggested in the proposals rather they are opposed to the functions being allocated to these committees that would see them take over responsibility for the implementation of the Rural Development (Leader) Programme.

Many voices from the floor strongly supported the partnerships in their current format and made it very clear to all the politicians present that they wanted the message to be taken back loud and clear to Government and in particular Minister Hogan that they totally opposed his current proposals and are calling on him to change them immediately. They also indicated that they will start a campaign to highlight the issue to both local and national media as well as to political representatives so that their voices and opposition to these proposals are clearly heard.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To view the South Kerry Development Partnership Board’s Position on Alignment please click on the following link  SKDP Board Position on Alignment

To read the complete submission from the Irish Local Development Network to Minister Hogan on the Alignment Proposal please click on the following link  Irish Local Development Network Submission

To view presentation to meeting from Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick please click on the following link Killorglin Public Meeting Dr Brendan O’Keeffe Presentation May 2nd

To view presentation to meeting from SKDP CEO Noel Spillane please click on the following link Killorglin Public Meeting Noel Spillane CEO Presentation 02nd May

Cheveux Hair Salon by Joanne Griffin

Cheveux Hair Salon cordially invites you to relax, retune, breathe….and feel rejuvenated while Melissa O Connor the Manageress takes care of you.

Melissa’s philosophy is to offer her clients a 5 star service coupled with the highest quality of creative hairdressing at the right price. Melissa takes great pride in ensuring she listens to client needs and then transforms their hair into a design that both suits them and exceeds their expectations.

Cheveux Hair Salon is a modern Ladies & Gents Hair Salon located in Callinafercy, Milltown but in order to facilitate and accommodate her clients, Melissa offers early and late appointments together with a Mobile Service to allow you to avail of the salon services from the comfort of your own home.

Melissa is a passionate and highly professional hairdresser with a strong creative drive, entrepreneurial qualities and business acumen and it is to this end that this new venture has emerged.

Cheveux Hair Salon is proud to announce the availability of their Wedding Package to all Brides. Further details on this Bridal Hair & Make up package and all the Salon Services can be discussed directly with Melissa on 087 6883102 or on face book @ cheveuxmelissaoconnor

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2012 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.

 

Kenmare Fishing Tours by Joanne Griffin

Dream of landing the Big Catch? Then dream no more as Robert White is making dreams come true for novice and avid anglers alike.

Fishing in Ireland is an experience not to be missed and Robert will offer a unique knowledgeable guided tour catered to your needs.

So surprise yourself this year with a fishing trip in Kenmare, Co. Kerry and catch more than the majestic views around you!

Kenmare Fishing Tours welcomes all age groups and a friendly and educational atmosphere is guaranteed.  Robert has been fishing himself since 1960 and Robert will show you that fishing isn’t only just standing with a rod, it is one of the most relaxing and soothing pursuits one can find.

The solitary nature of fishing is one aspect that makes this sport more alluring and Robert’s tour will help you escape from the ever increasingly busy world we find ourselves in today.

All fishing equipment is provided so all you need to do is make that booking and”Come and Fish with us” at Kenmare Fishing Tours.

Further information on this exciting new venture can be found at www.fishwithus.ie by email on [email protected] or by mobile on 087 3748 985.

This exciting new enterprise has emerged in 2012 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.