Recession means more skilled people for CE schemes

By TOM GILMORE THE old adage states that it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good and Community Employment (CE) schemes, such as one in Abbeyknockmoy, which has turned a derelict area into a park and picnic area, benefit from the availability of skilled workers unemployed since the building boom collapse. 'The economic downturn has meant that we have many skilled workers on this scheme and they are a great team, with a great development company behind us and making it all possible,' says Celia Killeney, supervisor of the CE scheme. 'Even though the picnic area will not be officially opened until next month we already had one coachload of visitors here,' she added. At present 16 workers, 11 men and five women, are on the CE scheme and they have done trojan work in enhancing the area near the eight- arched stone bridge in the village. 'As our funds for materials have been cut back it is events such as the auction that were vital to ensure that the CE scheme remained viable.' Over €7,000 has been spent on the project and Cllr Pete Roche says the recent completion of ample car parking facilities beside the community centre makes it a safe place for parents to park when taking their children to the play and picnic area. He says further work is planned including the erection of a shelter at the site. Cllr Roche says the scheme is 'still a work in progress' and they are also planning to erect information plaques around the site detailing the wildlife that abounds in the area as well as information about the flora and fauna. 'There are many forms of wildlife around this picnic area as well as fish in the river and it is vital that the biodiversity of the area be maintained,' concluded Marian Williams.[/private]