The HSE needs to make available more respite beds in North Kerry and the County. Cllr Michael Foley Cllr Michael Foley said: “The HSE needs to needs to make available more respite beds in the County and especially in North Kerry which cover quite a large catchment area. I am asking the HSE to consider looking at the former Oakland Nursing Home at Derry, Listowel, which would be ideal for this purpose. Currently there are only 9 respite beds for the County and of these only 2 in Listowel Community Hospital. This is not adequate for the size of the county or the Listowel area.”
The table below sets out the number of Respite & Convalescence beds in each of the Community Hospitals in Kerry: Community Hospital No. of Respite Beds No of Convalescence Beds Caherciveen 2 1 Dingle 2 9 Kenmare 1 5 Killarney 2 32 Listowel 2 13 Total 9 60
COUNCIL WELCOMES ALLOCATION FOR ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS
The Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Kerry County Council have welcomed the announcement of €5.6m in funding for projects in Kerry under the Active Travel Programme. Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen said that critical leisure and recreational infrastructure projects across Kerry would benefit from the funding. ‘It is great news for the county and an acknowledgement of the hard work of Kerry County Council in developing these projects that Kerry is receiving €5.6m in funding today,’ he said. ‘The development of our cycling and walking infrastructure is as important as it ever was and will ensure that walkers and cyclists will be able to avail of improved facilities.’ Chief Executive Moira Murrell said that the development of sustainable transport infrastructure remained a key priority for the local authority. ‘I would like to thank Kerry County Council staff who have developed these projects in recent years and which can now progress to being constructed for the benefit of all our citizens,’ she said.
Cllr Foley continued: “There has been a number of families and Carers in contact with me who are caring for family member suffering from Alzheimer’s and simply can’t get a respite place in this County. However they have to travel as far as Dromcollogher and Newcastlewest in Co Limerick if they are lucky enough to get respite, which is quite a distance away.” “It is estimated that family carers save the State in excess of €20bn every year and reduce the pressure on hospital beds by keeping loved ones at home, where they wish to be and keep them safe, particular during these most difficult times. They deserve to be reassured that when they need a well-earned break that there is a respite place available for their loved ones.” Cllr Foley concluded: I am asking the HSE to consider obtaining the former Oaklands Nursing Home, Derry, Listowel, for this purpose, which would provide a vital service for those in need in North Kerry and the County and give recognition to our Carers.”
Munster Technological University Launches New BA in Food Business Innovation
Munster Technological University is delighted to introduce a new Bachelor of Arts in Food Business Innovation for entry in September 2021. The BA in Food Business Innovation programme will prepare students for careers in a variety of dynamic food businesses. Features of the programme include a focus on hands-on learning meaning student will develop knowledge and skills in a practical and applied setting while receiving a solid base of theoretical knowledge as they embark on the many exciting careers available. Modules on the programme include Food and Nutrition, Food Science, Production Operations, Menu Development and Engineering, Marketing for Food Business, Social Media Applications, Food Photography, Finance and Revenue Management and Applied Management Practice among many others. According to TJ O’Connor Senior Lecturer Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism & Food Business Innovation Programme Co-Ordinator the new degree will meet a global need for skilled graduates. “Graduates of the BA in Food Business Innovation will play a lead role in the development and management of key sectors within the food industry. The modules on this programme reflect the global nature of the food industry and the vast opportunities it provides at varying levels, from home-grown entrepreneur to global development chef. Practical modules will provide the culinary skills to produce and design food products, coupled with the theoretical modules to provide the innovation and business concepts that will give the student the necessary skills to develop a successful business.” Head of Department of Business Ray O’Connor Desmond discussed the strong business mindset the programme will embed from day one. “The course will provide the knowledge and skills to promote innovation, develop new products, and foster entrepreneurship with the key skills of branding, distribution, and sales, all underlined by sustainability. Students will have ample opportunity to put these skills into practice, through the applied nature of the work placement that makes up part of the second year of study.” Head of School of Business Computing and Humanities Mary Rose Stafford said “Through practical application, this programme will equip graduates with technical skills, communication, business and presentation skills, which are required and highly valued by the industry with skilled graduates in this area in high demand. Graduates from the BA in Food Business Innovation programme can pursue employment opportunities in the food sector and non-food sector as the skills acquired are highly transferable.” Applications to the BA in Food Business Innovation are now open for direct application the MTU Kerry Campus Admissions Office and prospective students can find more information or apply here: www.mtu.ie/FoodBusinessInnovation
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