A €2 million digital hub will benefit the entire South Kerry community.
That’s according to Community and Members Manager at the Killorglin RDI Hub Reidín O'Connor, who was speaking after funding was allocated to provide a hub for the Iveragh Gaeltacht in Ballinskelligs.
The hub will support job creation, address depopulation and support improvements in towns and villages.
It’ll also provide workspace for up to 50 people.
Reidín O’Connor says while these facilities will benefit entrepreneurs, they’re ultimately for the benefit of the whole community.
Dónal Ó Liatháin of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Iveragh Taskforce says it’ll make South Kerry a very attractive place for people to relocate.
He says there has been a decline in people aged 20-36 in the area, with most leaving to work in Tralee, Cork, Limerick and Dublin, according to a survey last year.
The survey also found almost a third of the more than 90 townlands are now uninhabited and proximity to basic services was a key issue for those surveyed.
Mr Ó Liatháin says the Iveragh Taskforce has had over 100 enquiries from people looking to relocate – and the hub can become an integral part of their plans.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Patrick Connor-Scarteen says the funding is a huge boost to the Iveragh Gaeltacht and South Kerry in general.
He says it’ll lead to much-needed jobs and assist greatly in reversing rural decline.
