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Danielle Favier, left, Fáilte Ireland, Bridget Fitzgerald, Economic Officer, Kerry County Council, Mike Scannell, Kerry County Council and Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland, at the launch of a blueprint for the revitalisation of the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht in south Kerry. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
THE creation of 145 new jobs and a digital hub were part of the blueprint for the revitalisation of the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht in south Kerry, that has been developed as a model to be used for other rural revitalisation projects.
Issued by Údarás na Gaeltachta on behalf of the Uíbh Ráthach Interagency Taskforce, was launched by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne T.D. in Skelligs Chocolate Factory in south Kerry on Monday.
Highlights of the blueprint include:
• 145 new full time jobs to be created
• New gteic innovation & digital hub to be developed in Baile an Sceilg
• 3% increase in population
• Attract 10 new families to live in the area
• 20 houses to be made available for purchase or long term lease
• 15 apprenticeship places per year
• 20 alternative farm enterprises to be established
• 10% increase in visitors to the area
• 20% increase in Tourism accommodation all year around
• Implement Plean Teanga Chiarraí Theas
• 5% increase in daily Irish speakers
• Re-establish Irish language summer college
• Reinstate 24 hour helicopter emergency hospital transfer
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The Report and Action Plan of the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht Interagency Taskforce, sets out 100 challenging, realistic, time-specific measures aimed at addressing the severe population loss, ageing demographic profile and economic decline which has been experienced in the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht over recent decades.
The Action Plan has been produced at the initiative of the Gaeltacht Community of Uíbh Ráthach and with the support of Government Ministers, Government Departments, public representatives and various state and local agencies and organisations.
In launching the Action Plan Government, Chief Whip and Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne T.D. said; “This plan will make a significant difference to the region when it is implemented with the creation of 145 jobs which will entice people to return to live in this picturesque area. The Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht is an area which was important and central from a historical point of view down through the years and I hope we can look back on this day as a historic day when the first steprs to turn the tide were taken and to help to develop and strengthen the area.”
Further information and a copy of the Uíbh Ráthach Interagency Taskforce Report and Action Plan is available at http://www.udaras.ie/en/nuacht/mapa-bothair-dathbheochan-ghaeltacht-uibh-rathach/
