Whilst being linked by the N70 Ring of Kerry road, the Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem axis is geographically isolated by the MacGillacuddy Reeks to the north and the Kenmare River to the south.
This isolation leads to difficulties in coordinating effort and exacerbates the problems of retaining a viable indigenous population.
The nearest service centres of population are Kenmare to the east, and Cahersiveen to the north, with the county town of Tralee being over 80 kilometres distant.

Demographic Profile

Age dependency provides the most striking picture of the underlying demography of the Caherdaniel, Castlecove, and Sneem axis.
The dependency measure is derived from the ratio of the total inactive population (i.e. children under 14, the unemployed, first-time job seekers, those engaged in home duties, the retired, students and others unable to work) to those at work.
In its Demographic and Socioeconomic Analysis (1996 Census data) of the greater area, the South Kerry Development Partnership Limited estimates that of the 1,855 population base of the locality there are only 500 people who fall within the economically active sector.

Housing

We are requesting funding for social and community activity. Our principle is to address the population decline and demographic imbalance.

In recognising the strategic areas, Sneem Castlecove Caherdaniel I.R.D. Limited has captured the interlink between the three pillars of social, community and enterprise development. It is generally agreed that the development of any one of these three pillars will tend not to produce a stable outcome. In rural areas it is necessary to develop all in tandem to ensure a balanced and predictable output, with an environment in which families can earn a living in their locality whilst enjoying a social and community infrastructure that is to be anticipated by the majority.

Voluntary Housing Organisations have been active in rural Ireland for many years and this has increased significantly in the last decade. Over 65% of voluntary housing associations are now located in rural areas. The voluntary housing developments have been shown to fulfil their primary objective of relieving rural housing need. But there is also evidence of a further benefit that voluntary housing organisations bring to an area - Rural revitalisation.

The group aim to include the development of voluntary housing schemes as part of their strategy to address the needs of the area. The action will focus on the identified needs of local low-income families and older persons.

A specific housing association has been established from within the group, namely "South Kerry Housing Association".
Working as a subcommittee of Sneem Castlecove Caherdaniel I.R.D. Limited, the housing association works closely with Kerry County Council and Cluid Housing Association.
The "South Kerry Housing Association" is developing a clear view of the role it plays in helping to relieve the housing needs of the community.  Currently social housing units are under construction in Sneem and are nearly complete.  In Caherdaniel a site has been identified for several units; this site is undergoing a preliminary survey.  "South Kerry Housing Association" is seeking research partnerships in the area of social housing and rural depopulation within the geographic catchment area.

Crèche and After-School Centre

Even at primary level there is a lack of facilities for children. A playground will open in Sneem in Summer 2007, which is the first playground in the area.  Apart from this there are very few facilities for children; they are not really allowed to play in public places. There are plenty of sports activities that they can participate in, but if they are not interested in sport, or they want to meet friends either from outside this area or with similar interests, then they have no place to meet.

It is the intention to provide a Crèche and After School Centre facility in the area, to provide quality, accessible and affordable community childcare in a secure and stimulating environment.
This facility will be purpose built to suit the needs and requirement of the children in the area, and to comply with the standards set out by Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Centre will be built in Sneem Village at the old Court House (more recently Museum) site.  It will be 3,500 sq ft in area and consist of ground and 1st floor. It was designed by Neil Benett and Associates from Limerick.

Plans to rebuild the courthouse in Sneem into a creche

Current Status of Project:

Architect plans completed.

Planning permission granted by Kerry County Council (20/1/03).

Application for funding is submitted to Area Development Management (ADM)

(Government agency to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality and to counter disadvantage through local social and economic development)

Next Stage (having received planning and funding)

Fire Certificate Plans Submitted.

Construction Drawing drawn-up.

Building goes to tender.

Contract builder Assigned

Building Work can Commence.

Acknowledgement:
This project would never have got off the ground was it not for the hard work and determination of the Sneem Women's and Toddler Group, Sneem Development Co-Op and goodwill of the local people to make it happen.

Local Bus Services

A bus rolls out from Sneem to Killarney every Saturday at 11:30am and Killarney to Sneem at 17:00pm.

A bus also rolls out from Castlecove on Thursdays at 9:00am, picks up passengers in Caherdaniel at 9:30 and reaches Cahersiveen at 10:15am. There is possibilities for connection to Tralee.

Youth Centre

In order to make this area more attractive for business and create more employment, the involvement and motivation of all age groups including children and teenagers is essential. To create a realistic opportunity for young people to stay in this area with a prospect of a job requires their involvement also.

When children leave the local primary school a process of alienation from the area begins which does not only reflect the lack of career prospects but also reflects the lack of social or cultural activity that could bond them to the area. As soon as the students start secondary school the process of alienation accelerates. From 15 or 16 they start being allowed to go to the disco in Kenmare or Waterville; it can be an awful drag to get there and back and if the bus isn't there or if it returns later than they are allowed out by their parents then they have to stay at home. Once they finish school they more than likely leave home either for work or study and leave the area for good.

What this area needs is a young generation that loves the place and does not want to move away at all. To achieve that, this generation needs a place for their age group, a place to connect them to this area. A place that is the center of attraction for teenagers from as far as Kenmare, Killarney and Caherciveen and indeed from other countries.