A Ballyfermot couple moving to Kerry discuss what they will miss about Dublin and hopes for their rural future.

The O’Neill family from Ballyfermot in Dublin, are Paul and Stephanie and their three children Tanya, Paul Junior and Gráinne. Availing of a rural resettlement scheme, the family are moving to moving to Ballinskelligs, near Waterville in County Kerry.

Before the move, Paul and Stephanie have a final drink in their local pub in Ballyfermot and contemplate their future in Kerry.

As Paul is long-term unemployed the couple are confident their family will have a better standard of living in Kerry. Both Paul and Stephanie hope to find work, but if they do not, they believe being unemployed in Kerry will be easier than being unemployed in Dublin.

In a housing scheme there’s absolutely nothing to do, you’re unemployed down there you’ll always find something to do.

Small matters such as the weather, burning turf, cooking on a range and getting to grips with a septic tank are worrying the couple somewhat. However Paul is looking forward to keeping hens, working the land and having an opportunity to be self sufficient.

Paul and Stephanie know they will miss their friends in Dublin but hope to have the same camaraderie with the locals in Kerry. Stephanie is aware life in Kerry will be different but,

I know that Dublin will be always be here and I can always come back up.

That said, to truly settle, Paul and Stephanie plan to stay in Kerry for two years before visiting Dublin again.

This episode of 'Family Matters’ was broadcast on 5 April 1995. The reporter is Kieran Fitzgerald.