News
Kerry: 565 young people unemployed for six months or more
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THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has highlighted concerns at the number of young people across county Kerry who are unemployed for six months or more. New data from the Department of Social Protection show that the number of young people under 26 in Kerry in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit for six months or more is 565.
The NYCI, whose members work with over 380,000 young people nationwide, expressed concern at the figures. James Doorley, NYCI deputy director, said: “We are concerned at the number of young people who are unemployed in Kerry, particularly those unemployed for six months or more. This disappointing figure is mirrored at the national level, where we have over 11,711 young people long-term unemployed.
“The EU Youth Guarantee Programme guarantees a work, education or training opportunity to any young person unemployed for four months or more. In 2013, the Government committed to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee in Ireland. Yet four years on, despite the improving economy and labour market, we still have too many young people out of work,” explained Mr Doorley.
The NYCI is calling on Government to develop an action plan under this scheme in order to reduce the number of young long term unemployed to 5,000 - more than halving long term youth unemployment by the end of 2018. “It is vital we support young jobseekers into education, training and work experience and prevent the drift into long-term joblessness. This will require a renewed focus on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee and the provision of additional education and training places,” said Mr Doorley.
He added: “We recommend an additional investment of €47.4m in Budget 2018 to reduce the number of young people long term unemployed by the end of 2018. This is the gross cost, as this investment would lead to reduced social welfare payments as more young people move into employment - saving €33.4m per annum. While the net financial cost would be €15m, the social, economic and community benefit of having over 6,000 more young people in gainful employment is incalculable.
“As the economy recovers we should be much more ambitious in tackling long term unemployment in particular among young people. Our proposals are achievable and we look forward to engaging with the new Taoiseach on this issue in the coming weeks,” concluded Mr Doorley.
Above: James Doorley.
250th anniversary of Arthur Young’s Muckross visit
A special commemorative walk will take place on the Muckross Peninsula this Sunday, September 27, to mark the 250th anniversary of English writer and agriculturist Arthur Young’s historic visit to Killarney.
Young stayed with the Herbert family at the Muckross Estate for four nights in September 1776 while researching his book A Tour Of Ireland. During his stay, he explored the native oak woods, the rare Reenadinna Yew Wood, limestone rock formations, and local flora along the peninsula.
His detailed accounts of the landscape led to the formal naming of the “Arthur Young Walk” on September 27, 1776.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Conservation Ranger Shonagh Gray will lead the anniversary walk, guiding participants through the historical route while outlining the ecology and heritage of the peninsula.
The walk begins at 10.30am this Sunday, outside the Garden Restaurant at Muckross House.
Concerns over suicide prevention funding
Killarney councillor Marie Moloney has expressed serious concerns regarding mental health provision and localised suicide prevention services across South Kerry, following figures released at the Regional Health Forum South West this week.
Data provided by HSE Kerry Integrated Care Area Manager Julie O’Neill revealed that while overall mental health funding for Kerry grew from €40 million in 2024 to €52.1 million in 2026, targeted direct funding for suicide prevention dropped from €84,335 in 2024 to €74,558 in 2026.
In response to a motion raised by Cllr Moloney, the HSE confirmed that a countywide Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) is currently being established, with five full-time equivalent Crisis Intervention Nurse posts reconfigured from existing adult community mental health teams.
A Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) commenced duties recently, with a second appointee set to take up position shortly. The HSE confirmed that the Crisis Nurse for South Kerry is already in post, and a Consultant Psychiatrist is expected to be appointed by year-end.
However, Cllr Moloney highlighted regional inequities within the service, pointing out that the base for the new crisis team has been located in Tralee, despite high local demand and recent community concerns over male suicide rates in the Killarney region.
“While the appointment of dedicated crisis nurses is a welcome step, the actual direct funding for suicide prevention in the region shows a clear decline over the three-year period,” Cllr Moloney said.
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