The town of Lismore County Waterford is taking steps to tackle unemployment.

Like many towns around the country, Lismore in west County Waterford is suffering due to unemployment. But instead of waiting for the government to help them out, the community here is taking responsibility for their future themselves.

Since its formation two years ago the Lismore Economic Development Committee has created thirty six jobs in horticulture and fish processing. Growing a tourism industry in the town is also on their agenda. As committee chairman Pat Tangey explains, up to now this has been a sector which remains

Very much underdeveloped.

At present rehearsals are underway for 'The Children of Lir' a folk rock musical by Brian O’Reilly. With a cast of local young people, it is being sponsored by Lismore Economic Development Committee, with performances at the Lismore Hotel this month. Profits will go to a Community Youth project to create jobs in the locality.

As well as adding to Lismore’s social and cultural life, the musical has provided a much-needed boost to the youth of the town and its environs. As Padraig O’Reilly tells reporter Michael Ryan,

It’s really a community effort.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 March 1984. The reporter is Michael Ryan.