8 extra beds to open in Kenmare Hospital.
After a long campaign 8 beds are now opening in the 1st Floor of the Hospital. The challenge now is to have the remaining beds open. Below is the reply to my questions to the HSE
Kerry Community Healthcare is delighted to confirm that recruitment has started to allow for the opening of an additional 8 beds in the Community Nursing Unit In Kenmare.
This recruitment campaign follows acceptance by the INMO of management proposals on staffing at the unit.
We are now proceeding immediately to recruit staff to open these beds as soon as possible. Recruitment can prove challenging, and for that reason we will be carrying out an extensive campaign.
The beds will open on a phased basis, and this will be dependent on a successful recruitment campaign. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has been engaging with the INMO for some time, and we are pleased that the INMO has now accepted management proposals on staffing levels. The agreed staffing levels will provide a very high standard of care at the unit.
SIPTU have already accepted the proposed rosters for Health Care Assistants. We are eager to open these beds as soon as possible. The unoccupied rooms are fully furnished and ready to be occupied, and all beds at the unit have been inspected by and registered with HIQA. However, we must emphasise that the phased opening of the additional beds is dependent on recruitment.
Peninsula lands for a public park for the people of the area.
Following my ongoing engagement with the receiver and the officials in Kerry County Council there is progress being made in the campaign to secure the lands near the pier as a public park for the community. Supported by the over 2,000 people who signed the petition in the Kenmare Arts Centre and on the social media campaign there is great desire locally for a successful out come. Mickey Ned O’Sullivan the chair of the Peninsula Action Group a subcommittee of KMEG Kenmare Marketing and Events Group is doing great work along with the other committee members. I am hopeful that this will be in public ownership before the summer.
Street trading in Kenmare.
The withdrawal of all legal action by the street traders on the eve of court case on the 8th of february means that the order of the District court that the plan to establish a trading area around the square. The next step is for a emergency meeting of the Municipal to ratify the court order so that the street trading plan can be in place for 2018 tourist season
Fáilte Ireland is looking for local input as it works to develop a visitor experience development plan for the area from Kenmare to Ballydehob.
Local tourism businesses, tourism and community group members, as well as all other interested parties and individuals, are invited to take part in a series of workshops running from 12th-20th February across an area that takes in the Beara, Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas as well as Dursey, Bere, Garnish, Whiddy and Long islands.
The workshops will concentrate on pulling together stories, ideas, and opportunities that could be used to boost tourism in the area. They will take place during a week in which external consultants appointed by Fáilte Ireland will explore the region, meeting people, sampling experiences, and assessing ways to make it stand out as a particularly appealing destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Visitor Experience Development plan for the three heads will involve not just these external consultants, but also local authorities and the widest possible range of local tourism stakeholders. It forms part of a bigger process which is seeking to increase visitor numbers to the Wild Atlantic Way with a particular focus on increasing the time and money they spend in areas that have capacity for growth. The project is also seeking out ideas that will improve the range and quality of experiences available to our visitors.
Similar plans have been developed successfully for the Skellig Coast and for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, as well as for Connemara and the Aran islands.
Miriam Kennedy, the new Head of the Wild Atlantic Way explains, ‘Local consultation and input is essential if we are going to produce a plan that works for the visitor and for the local economy. We look forward to welcoming people to our workshops and drop in sessions to hear the ideas they have to offer.’
The Visitor Experience Development Plan will ultimately encourage continued growth in visitor numbers, dwell time and spend, helping to extend the tourism season and spread business across all parts of the region.
Failte Ireland looks for local input to develop a visitor experience development plan for the area from Kenmare to Ballydehob
20th February, 7pm-9pm
Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare.