Author: Joanne Griffin

English as a Foreign Language?  by Joanne Griffin

If English isn’t your first or main language and you want to improve your English, then a trip to see Rachel Kavanagh who is CELTA qualified is required immediately. CELTA – Certified in English Language Teaching to Adults is certified by Cambridge University

Rachel will teach English as a foreign language in a variety of settings. Lessons with Rachel are tailored to each individual and she will focus on your area of weakness but yet she will do so in an enjoyable manner by using topics that you her clients are interested in. Rachel’s philosophy is to foster an environment that promotes diversity, equality, deep learning and growth in a humanistic and integrative manner.

With the growth in the numbers of people coming from different countries to settle in Ireland, Rachel has found herself inundated with students and is always readily available to facilitate her students with their integration. Rachel, herself has a genuine fascination with language, interest in people, empathy with learners and is highly conscientious and committed to the highest standards of professional service whilst being motivated by the best interests of her students.

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.

A survey is currently being conducted amongst the people of South Kerry to get their views on the vibrancy of their communities. The work is being undertaken by geography department of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick through the INTERREG IVB NWE Rural Alliances Project which is being run by South Kerry Development Partnership.  Mary Immaculate College, UL is the academic partner on the Rural Alliances project with SKDP. Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of the Mary Immaculate Geography Department said that the survey aims to get the views of the people of South Kerry on how vibrant they feel their communities are. “It is part of a broader study on what is termed Rural Vibrancy that includes examining what public and commercial services are currently available to people who live and work in South Kerry and how vital local services can be sustained and developed” Dr. O’Keeffe explained. Questions on the survey include those focusing on employment, the local community, community development and the environment and survey forms will be distributed in a variety of ways to people in South Kerry over the coming weeks including face to face meetings with people on the streets of the region by Ms. Sandra Duggan, a research intern with the Geography Department at present. It will also be sent out by e-mail to people and will be physically distributed at events around South Kerry over the coming weeks. “SKDP is delighted that Mary Immaculate College is undertaking this work through the Rural Alliances project in South Kerry and the information gathered through the survey will be combined with the results of similar surveys being conducted in the 11 other partner areas in Belgium, Holland, Germany and the UK” according to Project Manager Seán de Buitléar. “This information is vital in helping to identify specific areas and elements that need improvement in the rural regions of Europe and will provide a very strong platform from which to lobby to have these become the focus of future European development projects” Seán added. “All of the information being gathered through the survey is both anonymous and confidential and the data will be collated independently by Mary Immaculate College” Dr. O’Keeffe pointed out. “Anybody who wishes to receive further information or to get an electronic copy of the survey to complete can contact Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe by phone on 061 204344 or by e-mail [email protected] . “I would like to thank in advance all of the people who take the time to complete and return this survey over the coming weeks” Dr. O’Keeffe added.

Walkers on the Kerry Way are being urged to take extreme caution on a 1km section of the walking route which was damaged by a recent landslide near Mountain Stage. A substantial amount of rubble has been deposited on the section in addition to large holes being gouged out by the water and material that flowed over it during the landslide. The landslide, which occurred on Sunday the 25^th of July, resulted in the main Ring of Kerry road being closed to traffic resulting in major diversions.

South Kerry Development Partnership’s Rural Recreation Officer Trish Deane said that major damaged occurred to the surface of the section of the route which the landslide crossed. “A substantial amount of rubble was deposited on the route and in addition many holes have appeared in the surface due to the significant water that flowed down the mountain. “While the 1km section of the route is still open to walkers, we are advising them to exercise extreme caution while walking on this part of the Kerry Way and to avoid going through holes of water as they may be deeper than they first seem” Trish said. “Warning signs have been erected along this section to alert walkers of the dangers due to the landslide damage” Trish added and she said that every effort will be made to return the trail to normal as soon as possible.

A large number of applications from prospective students are expected to seek funding under the Tom McBride Bursary, which is provided through South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP). The bursary provided funding for those taking up 2^nd chance education opportunities in the further education or training sectors and covers costs in areas such course fees as well as indirect costs such as childcare and transport costs.

“This fund is really aimed at giving those on low incomes the chance to gain further education or training and provides financial supports for elements that would not be covered through other grant schemes” Education & Training coordinator with SKDP Deirdre Fleming pointed out. She said that there is a strong link between lower education levels and unemployment and this bursary gives people the chance to help themselves improve their employment prospects through gaining additional accredited education or training. “Given the current levels of unemployment in the region and the fact that many people out there realise the importance of improving their skills and education levels, we are expecting a large number of applications for funding under the bursary” Deirdre added.

The bursary is open to those living in the South Kerry area only and applications will be considered from those proposing to take up either full time or part time accredited courses or training.

The application form is available on the SKDP website www.southkerry.ie or you can contact Deirdre Fleming on 066 9761615 or 087 9631935 or by e-mail [email protected]. The closing date for completed application forms to be received is Friday, September 13^th

^{Application Form 2013 Tom McBride}

Skinners by Joanne Griffin

Passionate about the latest fashion?

Introducing to you, Skinners, the latest fashion hub in Kenmare where they are one step ahead of the game, following the latest trends hot off the runway. They’ve got your style covered with their wide range of clothing and accessories.

Skinners is excited to showcase their collection which includes designers from Gasoline, Ripstop, Glamorous, Crosshatch, Animal Clothing and Canterbury but to name drop a few! Skinners has brought cool niche labels to Kenmare and is combining womenswear, menswear, and of course not forgetting their kidswear!

Eoin Finnegan, Skinners keen eyed owner-buyer is successfully bringing “urban cool to Kenmare”. Eoin edits the collections meticulously to bring his fashion loving customers trendy basics and must have pieces each season. Skinners is located on Henry Street, Kenmare and is fast gaining a reputation as a “must visit” destination.

Make sure, you’re on trend this season …. with Skinners!

Further information on this enterprise, can be found by contacting Eoin directly on 087 6439 912, on face book @ Skinners-Kenmare or simply by calling into Eoin at Skinners on 33 Henry Street, Kenmare.

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.

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.

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 1^st 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.

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.

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 23^rd  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 23^rd August 2013

e-mail: [email protected]

Tel 066 9180190 or 0871231429