Castleisland to get 20 new jobs as agency sets up regional office of ‘extreme value’

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Around 20 new jobs are to be created in Kerry as a key government agency establishes a regional office of ‘extreme value’ in the county.

Uisce Éireann is set to move into new offices in Castleisland, securing over 80 jobs and providing increased oversight of the county’s water networks.

Part of Castleisland Area Services Centre was occupied previously by the Water Services Department of Kerry County Council but has now been leased to Uisce Éireann.

The water agency plans to have 36 desks and two meeting rooms, providing an extra 20 jobs on top of the existing 60.

Councillor Bobby O’Connell said the building was a ‘huge asset’ to the town and welcomed the expansion of its staff.

“This is a very positive development for our town and the whole area because it’s adding jobs and keeping the existing 60 jobs – jobs we wouldn’t have had without the building,” he said.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae also welcomed the news, pointing out that not every county hosted a regional Uisce Éireann office.

He described the agency’s relocation as of ‘extreme value’, highlighting the pressures on the water network around the county.

Councillor Charlie Farrelly also highlighted the importance of the building to Castleisland, comparing it to having a factory in town.

He asked that the €63,780 annual rent charged to the agency go to renovation works of the building, including the provision of council meeting room.

The council confirmed that refurbishment works would be conducted on the downstairs and upstairs of the building, with the council potentially moving into the building next year.