10 KERRY’S EYE 5TH MARCH 2020

SOUTH KERRY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Joanne Griffin (Enterprise Officer with SKDP) Backing local enterprise success

Supports for local jobseekers HELPING PEOPLE to find employment in their local area is a priority for the SKDP, and one of the ways they do this is by making sure that people access available enterprise supports, through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. “These include the Back to related topics,” says Joanne. Work Allowance Scheme,” “They are also given access says Joanne Griffin, Enter- to a bookkeeper who teach- prise Officer with SKDP. es them how to manage their “This scheme allows peo- finances and how to keep ple who have been on social books of accounts.” welfare to continue receiving Another way the SKDP 100% of their payments for helps people to find work is the first year after setting up by encouraging employer en- their own business and 75% gagement locally. “We build for the second year.” relationships with employ- The supports also include ers in South Kerry in order access grants of up to €2,500, to help the people who are which cover accountancy most distant from the labour SKDP In , l-r: Maureen O’Donnell (Rural Development Coordinator), Sean De Buitléar, Joanne Griffin and advertising services as market to find jobs,” says Enterprise (Enterprise Officer), Noel Spillane (CEO), Ann O’Riordan (Enterprise Officer), Aisling O’Sullivan Darcy (Develop- well as the cost of purchasing Joanne. ment Officer) and Bridie Buckley (LES Coordinator). equipment. There’s a sepa- A recent example of this supports with self-employment as a career option. rate capital funding grant of was an event organised for 65% of the cost of the item the hotel sector in the area. impact from SKDP Working closely with the Dept of Employment Noel Spillane being purchased up to a “This was our second hotel and Social Protection, SKDP supports eligible (CEO of South maximum of €500. event and we had 12 of the SOUTH KERRY Development Partner- individuals to access the DEASP funded Back to Kerry Development Work Area Enterprise Allowance Scheme. “People participating in main hotels in in- ship (SKDP) supports enterprises at all Partnership) the programme get invited volved,” says Joanne. stages of their development by offering The scheme enables participants to retain their to local networking events “87 of our registered job- a comprehensive suite of services and social welfare benefits for the first two years of where they get to meet each seekers turned up to meet supports. the scheme (100% in year 1 of the scheme & 75% other and build relationships the HR managers from those in year 2) whilst they establish their enterprise. “We are here to help,” says Noel Spillane, the as well as hear talks about hotels and 50% of people got Advice and guidance is also available on small CEO of South Kerry Development Partnership. LEADER funding and other an interview as a result.” scale capital funding, mentoring and start your “Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur with own business courses for those who establish an a business idea, or an established business look- enterprise through the scheme. ing to expand and grow, SKDP have a range of Through its training network – South Kerry enterprise supports that can assist the individual Local employment Skillnet, SKDP provides a range of enterprise-led or business on their enterprise journey.” training opportunities to upskill business at all The SKDP range of enterprise supports include levels, including owners, managers and employ- services training, mentoring, feasibility studies, grant ees. aid, support to access other state-funded grant THE SOUTH Kerry Local “Ensuring that enterprises have the range of schemes, the provision of labour resources to Employment Service skills needed for their current and future oper- support Social Enterprise Groups and referral Through the Rural Development (LEADER) (LES) and South Kerry ating needs is crucial in ensuring their competi- to other enterprise support agencies where ap- Programme, SKDP can provide grant aid of up Jobs Club have been tiveness and growth in what is now a fast-moving propriate. to 50% to support qualifying micro, small and helping people to find and dynamic business environment,” says Noel SKDP also provides a range of supports to em- medium sized businesses across a number of work since 1995. Spillane. ployers - including support with recruitment eligible areas. With offices in , Social inclusion is a core ethos, and SKDP places Details of all the SKDP programmes and contact and advertising staff vacancies through the details can be found in our offices in Cahersiveen, Killorglin, Killarney and Ken- South Kerry Local Employment Service weekly an important emphasis on supporting individuals mare and outreach offices in Killorglin, Killarney and or through our job sheet. who are unemployed and who wish to pursue , Waterville, Valentia website www.southkerry.ie or on our Facebook page. Island and , they are well placed to serve the people of South Kerry. “We provide a range of Bridie Buckley (manager of South Kerry LES and South Business training from Skillnet employment supports and Kerry Jobs Club) career guidance to enable SOUTH KERRY Skillnet is a business training net- while Skillnet’s services are and letters of application and unemployed and underem- available to small and medi- interview skills advice that work that aims to support lifelong learning in enter- ployed jobseekers in South um-sized enterprises too. has ultimately led to them prise across every sector in Kerry and throughout Kerry to access work and South Kerry Skillnet also finding a job. training,” says Bridie Buck- the wider region. hosts a number of forums for In 2019, South Kerry LES ley, manager of South Kerry “Our goal is to develop the sidised training programmes owners and managers working assisted more than 700 new LES and South Kerry Jobs jobseekers, placing 261 into workforce in the region by for them, taught by the best in different industries such as Club. full-time employment or upskilling people in employ- trainers in the business,” says childcare, HR, leisure centres “We also provide services to self-employment and 118 ment,” says Aoife O’Reilly, Aoife. and spas and hairdressing. employers, help with recruit- into part-time employment. manager of South Kerry Skill- In 2019, South Kerry Skillnet Aoife would like to emphasise ment, upskilling and access A further 181 accessed train- net. assisted more than 160 of its that South Kerry Skillnet is an to employer incentives. Our ing and education courses “We want to help employers member companies with over organisation that offers a full services are tailored to the and 145 took up positions on to retain their staff and we 800 trainees availing of courses and affordable support system needs of each individual cli- Labour Market programmes want to ensure that employees or networking events. to facilitate learning and devel- ent with no cost to the em- like Community Employ- have opportunities for career opment needs throughout the ployer or jobseeker.” “It’s free to become a mem- ment Programmes, TÚS and South Kerry LES and Jobs progression within their cho- ber,” says Aoife. “Our member- Kerry region and even further the Rural Social Scheme. Club have built up detailed sen fields.” ship has grown by over 100% in afield. Offices are found all over knowledge of the local econ- The needs of enterprise and the past four years as more and South Kerry, with the main omy and its various support employers are to the forefront more people become aware of ones in Cahersiveen, Killorg- Visit our website services over the past 23 of what South Kerry Skillnet the training and networking lin, Killarney and Kenmare. at www.kerryskillnet.ie, years. This has enabled them does. opportunities we have to offer.” To find out more about the email: [email protected] or to provide thousands of peo- services or to make an ap- “They tell us what the skills Some of these member com- call us on 066 9762477. ple with the relevant skills pointment, call 066 9473068. gaps are in their workforce and panies were large businesses training, assistance with CVs Aoife O’Reilly (manager of South Kerry Skillnet) we respond by organising sub- such as Astellas and Fexco, 11

SOUTH KERRY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP CraftyCrafty aboutab High spirits in local beer Cahersiveen

CRAFT BEER has come to the Iveragh Peninsula. McGill’s Brewery is the first craft brew- ery to be set up in the region. Founded by Radio Kerry presenter and beer enthusiast Joe McGill, its beers are directly inspired by the local area. “Each beer reflects local heroes, culture and history,” says Joe. Joe began home brewing in 2014 and became so passionate that he finally decided to set up a brewery of his own in Murreigh in Waterville. “I found the perfect premises in what was formerly Moran’s Shop, right across from the church,” he says. He opened last year, selling hand- crafted traditional Irish beer styles. “There’s the Skellig Monks blonde beer and the Dark Sky Reserve Stout,” SPIRITS ARE high in Cahersiveen The management team at Skellig Distillers pic- says Joe. “This summer, I’ll be launch- thanks to the ongoing success of the tured at a recent Taste the Island Event held at ing the Maud De Lap red ale. All of town’s Skellig Six 18 Distillery. Found- the new distillery in Cahersiveen, l-r: Stephen Joe and Mags McGill from McGills Brewery at Murreigh, Waterville. Kelleghan, Patrick Cooney, June O’Connell, Pat these are 4.5% sessional beers and ed by locals June O’Connell, Patrick Sugrue and Norma O’Shea. produced in small batches.” The beer is now stocked in 65 dif- with the cost of purchasing equipment Cooney and Pat Sugrue, this distillery The response from the public has ferent locations throughout South and to pay for marketing and signage,” is already producing Skellig Six 18 Gin still and is making inroads into the Irish and been positive so far. “So many pubs Kerry and as far afield as and he says. and has plans to produce premium pot European gin markets with its signature and restaurants have approached me there are plans to introduce draught “The support and advice I’ve been still Irish whiskey by the end of 2021. Skellig Six 18 brand of gin. asking if they can stock the beer be- McGill’s beer in select locations over given is invaluable too. It’s great to The distillery is located on Valentia Road, The team behind Skellig Six 18 Distillery cause they want to have a local prod- the summer. know that they’re behind me.” where it enjoys excellent views of Valentia are thankful to the South Kerry Develop- uct to offer their customers,” Joe says. “SKDP’s LEADER funding helped More at www.mcgillsbrewery.com. Harbour, Doulus Head, Ballycarbery Castle ment Partnership for their support. and Beginish Island. “Stepping into the domestic and interna- “We acquired the former Wilson Socks fac- tional drinks market is a capital-intensive tory here with the intention of converting activity,” says Pat. Kim Elliot is on a it into a destination distillery with state-of- “SKDP’s professionalism and knowledge the-art production supported by a visitor have been just as important as the financial Rocket to success! centre,” says Pat Sugrue. “The plan is to support received. Because of them, we have commence developing the visitor centre made an excellent start.” SKDP has also introduced Skellig Six 18 to KIM ELLIOT has been living in Southwest later this year. “We believe Cahersiveen to be an excellent the FILECS programme. “We are delighted Kerry for over 20 years. Two years ago, she set location to base our business and intend for to engage in this programme because sus- up Rocket Deliveries, providing fresh organic Skellig Six 18 to develop into a global partic- tainable production is centre to our mission fruit and vegetable boxes to homes on the Ring ipant in this fast-growing industry.” statement development,” says Pat. of Kerry and the Tralee area. The company has installed a 500 litre gin www.skelligsix18distillery.ie “I have always enjoyed “Enterprise Officer Anne seasonal Irish-grown fresh O’Riordan explained the organic produce,” says benefits of availing of the ’s only Kim. “When I ran a market Back to Work Enterprise stall, I found that customers Allowance,” she says. Creamery loved the taste too as well “This enabled me to at- as the knowledge that no tend an SKDP-organised chemicals had been used Start Your Own Business Experience to grow the produce and Course in Killorglin.” Kim Elliott (Rocket Deliveries) no plastic was used in the SKDP provided Kim with with an organic farmer in was shortlisted for an ILDN museum packaging, just reusable financial assistance too, Galway as I needed a higher National Enterprise Award bags and boxes.” part-funding the gazebo she volume of produce to meet in May 2019,” she says. When Kim decided to set needed for her market stall demand,” says Kim. up Rocket Deliveries, she and helped her purchase a “They helped me to grow www.rocketdeliveries.com, approached SKDP Caher- tablet. the business to where it is or contact 087-4118678. siveen for advice. “Last year, I teamed up today, to the point where I From craft company to high-end manufacture FOUNDED BY Paul and Annette Gar- Paul and Annette Garland of The Kerry land last year, the Kerry Creamery Creamery Experiance in Listry PAUL HURLEY and Kevin Gal- Experience visitor centre recreates the and objects. logly founded Mango Crafts in creamery, showing how it once func- “Visitors see the arrival of the churns on 2003, shortly after they gradu- tioned as a pivotal point of rural life. ated from university. donkey and cart,” says Annette. “They are The Garland family had purchased the old talked through the whole process of meas- “It was initially a craft company but creamery site at Lissavane East from the uring and grading the milk and then hear over time, we have moved into high- Kerry Group in 2002, and ran a garden cen- interviews with local people about their end furniture manufacture,” says tre there until 2018. When they closed the recollections of the creamery. Kevin. garden centre, they decided to convert the “We custom-make furniture to the Paul Hurley and Kevin Gallogly of Mango Crafts in Kenmare and Killarney “We highlight the social importance of the site into a museum devoted to the creamery express specifications of our custom- creamery, how it was a place where news movement in Ireland, the first and only one ers, using only the finest timbers in the Killarney Outlet Centre. was exchanged, and help was offered when of its kind in the country. the world to make something that is Kevin and Paul received a lot of and enabled us to take on new em- need became known.” truly unique.” support from SKDP, especially when ployees.” “We wanted to educate younger genera- The Kerry Creamery Experience can also They source their timber from Asia things were economically challenging. SKDP provided support again in the tions about bygone rural life and the cream- be booked for private tours, birthday parties but do so in a sustainable way. “We “Following the downturn, SKDP aftermath of Brexit. ery movement,” says Annette Garland. and school tours. only use timbers from salvaged, re- helped us move into new markets and “They couldn’t do enough to help “We wanted to introduce tourists to our The Garland family are very grateful to claimed or managed sources,” says with producing higher-end products,” us respond to the changing needs of history, and we wanted to evoke fond mem- SKDP for their help. “We’d like to thank Kevin. “We also plant 500 teak trees says Kevin. a changing market,” says Kevin. ories for older visitors who remember their Noel Spillane for his guidance and support every year in order to offset our ship- “They sat down with us to discuss “They have played a huge part in our local creamery.” when we applied for LEADER funding,” ping footprint.” our strategy for entering the UK mar- success and in making us the company They had to renovate the original creamy says Anne. Mango’s furniture is on display in ket and helped us to upgrade our we are today, with eight full-time em- building, which still had an intact manag- “He was always there for advice when we their two showrooms, one on Shel- workshop and website. They also ployees including ourselves.” er’s office complete with paperwork. They needed it.” bourne Street in Kenmare and one in helped with marketing, distribution www.mangocrafts.com. collected a large exhibition of machinery www.thekerrycreameryexperience.ie.