Kerry councillors unanimous in support for rural chocolate business as liquidation threat looms

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry councillors have expressed unanimous support for the “enormously important” Skellig Chocolates business as fears for its future grow.

Councillors at a Kenmare Municipal District (MD) meeting highlighted the liquidation threat to the Ballinskelligs-based firm and emphasised that “every effort should be made” to secure the factory’s future.

It is understood that the Dún Laoghaire firm Resolute Advisory has applied to the High Court to have Seaclaidi na Sceilge Teoranta wound up, the company that operates the business.

The factory in St Finian’s Bay employs approximately 25 people and is one of Ireland’s leading high-end confectioners.

“Make no mistake, it’s the very same as 250 jobs in a city. Anyone who knows the area knows that,” said Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae at the MD meeting.

“It’s of huge significance to south Kerry, all these small things…they bring tourists in their own right or add to the experience.”

Cllr Healy-Rae noted that the factory has a market worldwide and hoped it would have “massive potential” in the future.

“I believe there can be a lot more done with it and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like chocolate,” he mused.

The company was established in 1996 and has seen growing popularity as a ‘signature experience’ along the Wild Atlantic Way.

A notice in Iris Oifigiúil in November stated that Colin Gaynor is acting in his capacity as receiver of Fusion Excellence Ltd, the creditor of Seaclaidi na Sceilge Teoranta for the winding up by the High Court of the Company.

It is understood that the receiver was appointed to Fusion Ltd earlier this summer and that this company is the landlord to Seaclaidi na Sceilge Teoranta. Both are associated with Paddy McKillen Jnr's business interests.

Councillor Norma Moriarty, who has already expressed significant support for the company publicly, emphasised the importance of the business to the local area.

She said there was “wonderful comradery” amongst employees at the factory and cited a situation where one factory employee turned down a “cushy” office job to stay in the role they “loved”.

“It is enormously important to the Gaeltacht community in Iveragh, to us in south-west Kerry and to the 25 families that are directly impacted in terms of jobs,” she said.

“Skellig chocolates really is a beacon of what is possible in rural Gaeltacht areas and I do want to commend Údaras na Gaeltachta that they are working very hard behind the scenes.”

“I would not be beating the drum to be putting time and money into a business if it was failing. This business is not failing. This is a solid, good business.”

Kerry County Council said they are engaged, alongside Údaras na Gaeltachta, in ensuring the company is aware of all available supports.

As the MD meeting took place in the Ballingskelligs gteic, Uíbh Ráthach, a state of the art digital hub and co-working space, Cllr Moriarty highlighted the importance of the gteic and the factory to Gaeltacht reputation more broadly.

“Two buildings that say most about the modern nature of Gaeltachts are this gteic and indeed the chocolate factory and we cannot see one of them close. Every effort should be made to ensure its future,” she said.