The role of the Economic Development Unit is to promote economic development and create a positive environment for job creation. It provides services to incoming queries from external sources and focuses on longer term strategic economic goals. It provides a strong point of contact and linkage with business support agencies. Main areas of work include; Marketing and Promotion of the County; Networking and Engagement; Strategic Economic Planning; and Identifying and Sourcing Funding for the economic development of the County.

The functions of the unit include;

• Marketing of County Kerry to potential investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals.  Marketing of the Enterprise Hub network, and other marketing initiatives which promote Kerry as an ideal destination to work, live, and invest.
• Engage and work closely with the existing network of larger businesses and overseas companies.
• Liaison with the enterprise development agencies on behalf of incoming queries.
• Supporting economic infrastructure in the County including, incubation and enterprise & community hubs, establishment, sustainability and growth.
• Partnering with major change projects in the County
• Support Centres of Excellence and Clusters
• Strategic Economic Planning
• Identification, sourcing and securing funding to promote and develop economic infrastructure.
• Liaise with the Regional Skills Forum and Third Level Institutions in relation to skills development.
• Land use planning and prioritisation.
• Implement the Economic Strategic Actions of Kerry Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2022.

Contact Details:

Helen O’Connor-Barry – Economic Development Officer, Kerry County Council
Phone: 066 716 3846
E-mail: [email protected]