News
It is not paying people to go to work
THE KILLARNEY ADVERTISER SAYS
There are 1,118 people signing of for unemployment benefits in the Killarney Local Electorate Area.
That is according to the latest June figures from the Central Statistics Office which were published this week.
It shows an increase of 260 from the May figures.
This is a staggering amount of people who are out of work in a relatively small area.
It is even more shocking considering we are in the height of the tourist season and hotels and other hospitality sector businesses in Killarney keep telling us there are staff shortages throughout the industry.
Some businesses have reduced their operating days and hours in reaction to staff shortages.
The rising costs of fuel and child care means it is not financially viable for many people to go work. Wages earned are immediately dispersed to petrol stations and to pay a babysitter.
The average cost of childcare in Kerry costs €180 per week, a tank of fuel is another €100.
Wages do not meet the cost of living further reducing the desire to go to work.
The average weekly earnings of workers in the accommodation and food services sector is €400 according to Central Statistics Office figures issued in May.
That leaves €120 for all other expenses. Under the Job Seekers scheme the full weekly payment is €208.00 without the need to pay for fuel and childcare.
So some workers are financially better off, by €88.00 a week or €4576.00 a year, by staying at home.
Rent prices and the general cost of housing (and lack of social housing) means the majority of people live in rural settings and are not in walking distance to available jobs.
The lack of a public transport network adds to the cost of going to work.
In simple terms, it seems that the 1,118 Killarney people that cannot find work (for whatever reason) paint a very grim picture of all that is wrong in the country.
It is not their fault, it is the system’s fault.
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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