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Springboard courses provide excellent opportunities to upskill

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By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

The Higher Education Authority has recently announced the range of Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 courses on offer for 2022-2023 to those who are in employment, unemployed, returning to work or graduates meeting the eligibility criteria.

For anyone who is seeking to develop in or change career, these courses offer a fantastic opportunity to add to or learn a new set of skills, which are in demand in the workplace.

They are provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) nationwide with a variety of classroom based, remote or blended delivery.

Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses on over 300 courses at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy.

These areas include ICT, engineering, green skills, manufacturing and construction, among many others. The majority of courses are flexible and part-time. The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers 89 free and discounted full-time courses in areas such as ICT and Data Analytics, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction. A number of courses are also available that address green skills and climate change. Courses are at graduate and postgraduate diploma level.

To be considered eligible for a place on a Springboard+ course, applicants need to be living full-time in the Republic of Ireland, have their own valid PPS Number and meet the nationality/visa requirement.

Applications are now open with some deadlines in June and start dates in early July. The flexible nature of these programmes as well as their exceptional value for money mean that they will be in demand.

For further details on all courses including entry requirements and on how to apply, log onto www.springboard.ie.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant - For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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Engineers to review signal timing at Daly’s crossing

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Engineers to review signal timing at Daly's crossing

Engineers to review signal timing at Daly’s crossing

Council engineers are to review traffic signal timings at a key pedestrian crossing near Daly’s SuperValu to ease congestion at one of the town’s busiest junctions.


The move follows a proposal by Councillor John O’Donoghue, who called for a trial period, asking: “Could the pedestrian crossing on the N22 by Daly’s Super Valu be trialled with a flashing light for a month to see if this improves traffic flow?”
Kerry County Council ruled out installing a temporary flashing light arrangement, citing public safety for pedestrians moving between residential areas and the retail hub.
Explaining the decision and the upcoming signal review, local authority officials stated: “This pedestrian crossing is located on a well-established pedestrian desire line between residential areas and a large retail outlet and food court. It provides an important controlled crossing facility for vulnerable road users. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to trial a flashing light arrangement at this location. Kerry County Council will review the timing of the lights to determine if it is appropriate at this location.”

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Community clean-up group reactivates in National Park

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Community clean-up group reactivates in National Park


A community litter clean-up initiative established during the pandemic has reactivated following a fresh volunteer drive in Killarney National Park.


The group was originally formed in April 2021 by local residents Eoin O’Sullivan and Alan Ryan to tackle rubbish accumulation in the park. The initiative built up a strong local following, with its dedicated Facebook group growing to over 630 members.
Highlighting the park’s importance to the local economy and community, tour guide Diarmaid Griffin organised the latest clean-up session. According to figures from Kerry County Council, 30 per cent of workers in Killarney are employed in tourism-related industries.
Six volunteers took part in the recent Sunday outing, with organisers expressing hope that attendance will grow for future scheduled events.
Diarmaid Griffin said: “It feels good to give back to the place that gives us so much.”
Organisers extended thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service staff for permissions, Killarney Town Hall for providing clean-up equipment, and Killarney Tidy Towns for ongoing operational support.

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