Submission to County Development 2022-2028
Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge is a voluntary development organisation which covers the Ballinskelligs area. It deals with the economic, social and cultural development of the area. One of its main activities is the provision of services from the Community Centre in the village of Dún Géagáin, Ballinskelligs. These services include; meals on wheels, meals in the centre, laundry service, hairdressing service and a chiropody and doctor service on a monthly basis. As we have an ageing population in the area, many of the services are geared towards meeting the needs of this age cohort. One of the main economic aims is to try and stem the tide of population decline. The Coiste does this by working in conjunction with private enterprises and state agencies to encourage the establishment of enterprises in the area. Thankfully, Údarás na Gaeltachta has plans to develop a gteic hub on its industrial estate here in Ballinskelligs. Údarás na Gaeltachta has recognised the issue of the drastic decline in the population of the Iveragh Gaeltacht -the population declined by 41% since the Gaeltacht boundaries were drawn up in 1956 – the steepest decline in any Gaeltacht area in the country. In recognition of this exceptional decline, Údarás na Gaeltachta set up a Taskforce to address the issue. This Taskforce is now in operation for two years. One of the main challenges that the Taskforce is encountering is the issue of housing families who want to settle down in the area. It is now recognised that the creation and provision of jobs is not sufficient on its own to sustain a community’s population. The provision of jobs must be done in conjunction with provision of housing for those who take up those jobs.
Because Ballinskelligs is a popular tourist area, house prices are relatively high and very difficult to lease on a long term basis. While there are ample holiday homes in the area, none of these are available to families who want to settle in the area. It is for this reason that Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge want Kerry Co. Council to recognise our housing need here in Ballinskelligs and to help the Coiste implement the following proposal.
PROPOSAL
The village of Dún Géagáin has been suitably zoned for housing in the proposed Co. Development Plan. It has access to many services in the Community Centre as outlined above and is adjacent to the local GAA pitch where there is a state of the art Gym. Within walking distance of the village is a well- stocked shop and arts centre. It is served by public water and waste water systems. What the Coiste Forbartha needs is Kerry Co. Council assistance to acquire a serviced site, which would then be available for social and affordable houses. To this end, the Coiste Forbartha has identified a number of suitable sites within the boundary of Dún Géagáin village. As a matter of urgency, the Coiste requests Kerry Co. Council to work with the Coiste to make the provision of a serviced in the Village of Dún Géagáin a reality.
Is Mise, le meas,
Deasún Ó Cróinín, Bainisreoir Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge