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15,700 jobs Kerry tourism jobs at risk
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Hoteliers call for government support to help them survive
15,700 jobs Kerry Jobs at risk
Hotel and guesthouse owners in Kerry and across the country are calling on the Government to introduce measures that will tackle the catastrophic crisis facing many businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welcoming the positive trend in cases this week, Ms Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the IHF, acknowledged the great progress being made by the Government, the Chief Medical Officer, health professionals and society in general in suppressing the disease.
She said that it was now time to address the need for people to have livelihoods after the pandemic.
Ms Randles called on the Government to urgently seek assistance from the proposed EU Recovery Fund being set up to combat the economic slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which is forecast to be the worst in a century throughout Europe. She said a package of specific supports is required that recognises the unique challenges facing Ireland’s largest indigenous industry.
“The June Bank Holiday traditionally marks the start of the holiday season, yet thousands of tourism businesses across the country remain closed due to the pandemic, including 90% of hotels, and the majority of the industry’s 260,000 employees are laid off. 70 per cent of tourism jobs are based outside Dublin, which highlights its vital role in spreading employment opportunities and prosperity across the entire country. Here in Kerry tourism supported 15,700 jobs and generated €592m in local revenues before this crisis. Further delays in providing support measures could have devastating implications, particularly for rural Ireland, that may take decades to recover” she said.
“While the various business and employment supports that have been introduced already are very welcome, they do not go far enough. Some industries, like tourism, have been far more severely affected and face a more challenging road to recovery and this is not being adequately recognised. Tourism proved itself to be a powerful engine for economic growth following the last recession, creating some 90,000 new jobs. With the right supports now, it can be again but time is of the essence.”
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage, meeting with Muckross House Research Library archivist Patricia O’Hare.
The couple are the great-great-grandchildren of Charles Herbert (1842-1891), the second son of Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour. Following their marriage in 1837, Colonel Herbert and Mary Balfour moved to Killarney and began construction on the current Muckross House, which was completed in 1843.
The family, which included children Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche, spent much of the Great Famine years in England. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife,...
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