MONDAY saw Kerry County Council officially hand over the keys to Down Syndrome Kerry for The Mill Café at Blennerville Windmill, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in a partnership built on inclusion, community, sustainability and opportunity.
The Mill Café will create meaningful employment for people with Down Syndrome while offering the wider community and visitors a welcoming new destination in one of Kerry’s most iconic heritage locations.
Preparations are now underway as Down Syndrome Kerry begins the final phase of bringing The Mill Café to open in the early autumn.
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The Mill Café has been imagined as a place where people come together to enjoy quality food, and genuine hospitality.
People with Down syndrome will be at the heart of the café’s daily operations. Through the collaborative DSK/MTU Kookability for Employment & Independence programme, members will transition from learning into meaningful employment, building confidence, developing hospitality and customer service skills and demonstrating their talents in a real working environment.
John O’Connor, Chairperson, Down Syndrome Kerry said; “The Mill Café represents everything we value as an organisation—inclusion partnership, community & opportunity. We are immensely proud to work alongside Kerry County Council on a project that creates lasting opportunities for our members while providing a beautiful new destination for local people and visitors alike. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision.”
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Siobhan Walsh, Operations Manager, Down Syndrome Kerry said; “Receiving the keys today is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people believe in possibility. The Mill Café has always been about more than creating a beautiful place to enjoy great coffee and locally produced food. It is about creating opportunities where people with Down syndrome can develop skills, build confidence, secure meaningful employment and be recognised for their talents every single day. My hope is that every visitor , leaves not only having enjoyed a wonderful experience, but also inspired by what inclusive communities can achieve when we invest in people’s abilities.”
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mikey Sheehy said: “I am thrilled that Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry) will open the doors to a new chapter at the Mill Cafe” Blennerville Windmill is one of our premier tourism attractions in Kerry and the café is a key part of that offering. I have no doubt that the staff and management of the café will enhance the visitor experience and I wish Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry) every success in this exciting venture”
Over the coming months, the team will complete the fit-out, welcome its first employees, perfect a menu celebrating the very best of local produce and prepare to open the doors to what promises to become one of Kerry’s most welcoming café experiences.
Down Syndrome Kerry extended its sincere gratitude to Mr Feargal Reidy, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council.
The organisation also wishes to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Tralee Municipal District Office, the Economic Development Team and the Senior Leadership Team of Kerry County Council, whose collaboration and commitment have helped bring this ambitious project to life.
We need help out with staff i deength lodge