Tag Archives: Coronavirus

News

Restricted Re-Opening Of Public Car Parks At Beaches From Monday

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PUBLIC car parks at Kerry beaches will re-open on Monday next, May 18, but the 5km rule on travel restrictions still applies.

The car parks were closed at the beginning of April in the interests of public health and limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Kerry County Council has decided to re-open the car parks having regard to the Government Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business and the current advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

However, the council is reminding the public that a strict travel limit of 5km applies where individuals are leaving their home for exercise or recreation. Only those residing within 5km of beaches should travel to those beaches in line with the current public health advice.

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Those travelling to beaches should ensure that the two-metre physical distancing guideline is maintained.

Groups other than small family units should not congregate to avoid transmission of the virus. Advisory signage is being erected by Kerry County Council at beach car parks this weekend and members of the public are asked to adhere to that advice.

Director of Services with Kerry County Council, John Breen, said the decision had been taken following a safety assessment and consideration of the roadmap published recently by the government as well as the prevailing public health advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

“There is an understandable desire by many people to avail of the fine weather and visit our wonderful beaches but we must ensure that this is done in compliance with public health advice and with the core aim of continuing to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“This does not, however, represent an unrestricted re-opening of beach car parks. Only those living within 5km of our beaches are permitted to travel there under the public health guidelines and if they do, the required two metres distance from others must be maintained. In conjunction with An Garda Síochána, we will be overseeing the new arrangements,” he added.

News, WHAT'S ON

Public Asked To ‘Shine A Light’ In Public Moment Of Solidarity

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RTÉ is calling on the Irish public to come together to shine a light this Saturday at 9pm to create a moment of solidarity in our battle against the Covid 19 pandemic.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina are set to shine their light from the Áras. Government buildings will light up with a host of national and local public buildings across the island shining their beacon lights, along with Irish embassies and missions around the world.

#SHINEYOURLIGHT #LONRAIGHDOSHOLAS is calling on people of all ages, to be as creative as they wish to either power their phone torches, flash house lights, leave a candle safely in the window or even put up Christmas lights, to participate in the initiative from wherever they are.

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The campaign has already secured widespread support from the creative and cultural community with Gabriel Byrne, Sinéad O’Connor, Glen Hansard, Saoirse Ronan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Paula Meehan and Marie Mullen all joining with RTÉ in the call for this public moment of solidarity as we join together to shine a light through the darkness.

RTÉ will be creating special content on TV, radio and online to mark this coming together and share our moment of light during what is a dark time for many.

RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes said: “This global pandemic is affecting each and every person in our society so let’s come together for this moment where we can express solidarity with each other while we remain separated from friends and family. Let’s light up our homes or light a candle to remember all of those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and their loved ones. Let’s also remember and thank our key frontline staff for their ongoing heroic work throughout this crisis. Light reaches across all boundaries and as we watch the light flicker, perhaps we will see a glimmer of hope, in this time of fear and distancing”.

Coverage begins on RTÉ Radio 1 at 8:30pm with Shine Your Light with John Creedon featuring music from some of our finest artists including Martin Hayes and Glen Hansard, and poetry from Moya Cannon.

At 9pm, RTÉ will broadcast #ShineYourLight, a short live special on RTÉ One television, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ Player and RTE.ie/culture to share this moment.

It will feature music performances and spoken word from artists including Sinead O’Connor, Paula Meehan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire. It will also broadcast images from around the country as families, individuals and workers shine their light, along with local and national public buildings and embassies around the world, joining in solidarity with their communities and loved ones near and far.

RTÉ.ie will also shine a light on this special occasion with a homepage takeover and live gallery of images from around the country.

News

Local Schools Donate Protective Goggles To University Hospital Kerry Staff

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Goggles gathered by local schools and donated to UHK.

GOGGLES from local secondary schools were recently gathered and donated to University Hospital Kerry.

Presentation Tralee, CBS The Green, Mercy Mounthawk and  Coláiste Gleann Lí donated over 300 goggles as PPE equipment for the frontline staff.

All at the schools wished the staff well and thanked them for the amazing work they are doing in the hospital.

News

Council Offices And Civic Amenity Sites Closed To Public

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KERRY County Council is appealing to people of Kerry to adhere strictly to the new restrictions announced by the Government and the National Public Health Emergency Team in relation to limiting the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19.

The Council is echoing the call of An Taoiseach and the Chief Medical Officer for people to stay at home except for the exceptional circumstances set out by the public health authorities.

From Monday, all Council offices and buildings will be closed to the general public in the interests of public health. Civic Amenity Sites (recycling centres) are now closed to the public. All other public amenities such as playgrounds, public leisure centres and swimming pools, and branch libraries remain closed.

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Kerry County Council has stepped up its response to the COVID-19 emergency. Council staff are continuing to provide essential and emergency services to the public.

A full range of contact numbers and online services is available through the council’s website, www.kerrycoco.ie.

The Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said that the decision to close offices to public access is being taken in the interests of saving lives and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

“I want to reiterate the messages of the government and the health authorities. Everyone now has a critical role to play in observing the new requirements, by staying home and adhering to the new restrictions.

“Kerry County Council is continuing to provide essential and emergency services to our county. Our staff continue to work diligently to ensure continuity of critical services and I thank them for their dedication and commitment at this difficult time.

“I want to assure the people of Kerry that the County Council is doing all it can to contribute to reducing the impact of this public health crisis. I thank the people of Kerry for their support and cooperation at this time,” she added.

News

Kerry Cancer Support Group Buses Still Operating To Cork And Limerick

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KERRY Cancer Support Group are informing service users that their bus services to Cork and Limerick are still operating in line with Government and HSE guidelines.

A statement issued by the charity yesterday reads; “Capacity will be limited to maintain physical distancing. Physical distancing protocols are also being adhered to at the treatment centres.

Protective gloves and sanitisers are provided — along with the latest information — on the bus. The bus is cleaned and disinfected daily and in both Cork and Limerick before return journeys.

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Where capacity exceeds required levels additional bus will be provided. We are in constant contact with stakeholders for and with updates.

Anyone with concerns or if people need further information or simply a reassuring call, please contact 066-7195560 where there is always one of our team on hand to talk to you.”

News

Listowel Writers Week Cancelled For This Year

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ANOTHER major event in Kerry has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus crisis.

The organisers of Listowel Writers’ Week, which was due to take place from May 27-May 31 in the north Kerry town, has made the decision on health and safety grounds.

A statement on their facebook page this morning reads: “We deeply regret that our 2020 Festival and The National Children’s Literary Festival are cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic.

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“We are saddened to have to cancel our annual literary gathering of Listowel Writers’ Week until 26th to 30th May, 2021. However, the health and safety of everyone and full compliance with Government guidelines must take priority over all else.

We will be working hard during this time of uncertainty and isolation, continuing to engender and maintain our spirit of literary friendship.

Refunds on all tickets are available; alternatively, if you wish, we will offer you a credit note in lieu of your ticket/tickets which may be redeemed for Listowel Writers’ Week 2021. All those who have already purchased tickets and those who have purchased workshop places will be contacted to refund ticket value.

Should you have any queries we can be contacted on 00353 (0)68 21074 or email info@writersweek.ie or childrensfest@writersweek.ie. Please contact Norella Moriarty on norella@eircom.net if you have pre-booked accommodation for the festival.”

News

Council To Erect Signage At Beaches And Public Amenities Encouraging Social Distancing

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A MEETING of Kerry County Council management and representatives of the political parties and Independents took place this morning to continue the coordination of the Council’s response to the current public health emergency.

The meeting observed personal distancing requirements and some participants joined the meeting by teleconference.

Elected members and council management reiterated their appeal to members of the public to observe the advice and guidelines of the HSE and the health authorities.

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In particular, there is a renewed request to members of the public to observe personal distancing guidelines both indoors and outdoors. Beaches and some walkways and parks were crowded at the weekend and gardaí were forced to act at Banna by closing the beach.

Signage is to be erected at a number of beaches and public amenities around the county in the coming days to remind people of the personal distancing requirements of two metres.

The meeting discussed ongoing business continuity planning for the provision of Council services as the current public health emergency evolves.

To support efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Council is asking members of the public to communicate with its staff and services, as far as possible, by phone and email. Full details of all of the Council’s services are available on www.kerrycoco.ie and the Council’s main contact number is 066 7183500.

News

New Advisory Group To Coordinate Community Response On COVID-19 In Kerry

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IRELAND’S National Action Plan on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has tasked local authorities and other agencies to work closely with the Department of Community and Rural Development to coordinate the community and volunteering response to the current public health emergency.

A new COVID-19 Kerry Community Response Advisory Group has been established to coordinate how volunteers are managed and targeted to ensure that vulnerable members of the community can avail of a trusted and coordinated support service over the coming weeks and months.

The COVID-19 Kerry Community Response Advisory Group includes representatives of the following organisations:

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• Health Service Executive
• Kerry County Council
• An Garda Síochána
• Kerry Red Cross
• Kerry Civil Defence
• Kerry Volunteer Centre
• North East and West Kerry Development
• South Kerry Development Partnership
• IRD Duhallow
• Kerry GAA
• Kerry Public Participation Network (representing 700 approx community groups in Kerry)
• Kerry Age Friendly Network
• Local Link Kerry
• Citizens Information Service

The new group’s core aim is contributing to the community-wide effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The group wants to harness the energy and generosity of people who have come forward to offer support to people in the community who require assistance and advice.

The aim is to ensure that a coordinated, safe and reliable volunteer support network is available to those in need and that people in need of that assistance know who to contact for advice. Its work will complement much of the voluntary work which already taking place in communities across Kerry.

The Advisory Group is currently discussing how best to coordinate an inter-agency volunteer-based service to those in need of support at this time and will announce details of structures and arrangements in that regard over the coming days.

News

Deputy Foley Issues Call For Donation Of Hand Sanitisers And Disposable Gloves

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Deputy Norma Foley.

KERRY Fianna Fail TD, Norma Foley has issued a callout to schools, sports clubs, gyms and businesses currently not operating, to donate any sanitisers or disposable gloves they have to community and voluntary organisations helping the vulnerable at this time.

“As a county we are indebted to a whole variety of voluntary organisations and individuals doing sterling work in our communities reaching out to those who are vulnerable and in need,” said Deputy Foley.

“To facilitate work continuing during this current Covid 19 pandemic supplies like hand sanitiser, disposable gloves etc. are urgently required. Schools, libraries, sports clubs/gyms, tourist facilities and other buildings are currently not in use and many of these premises may have some of these supplies in stock,” she said.

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“To their credit,” added Deputy Foley “many have already donated their available stock but, perhaps, there are others who could do likewise. Community organisations are doing invaluable work and to help them continue to do so, essential stocks of hand sanitiser, disposable gloves etc. would be greatly appreciated”.

Individuals, groups and organisations with available stock are asked to contact Kerry Red Cross on 087 9276504.

Arrangements can also be put in place to pick up supplies throughout the county if necessary. Otherwise, supplies may be dropped to Red Cross HQ at Unit 4, Killerisk, Business Park, Tralee between 10am – 12 noon or 6pm – 8pm Tuesday, March 24 – Thursday, March 26.  All donations will be greatly received.

News

Civic Leaders Appeal To Sense Of Community And Solidarity

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THE people of Kerry can help to save lives by slowing the spread of Covid-19 but it will take an sustained and focussed effort from the entire community.

That’s the message from civic leaders and the emergency services across the county, who joined together to appeal to the public to continue to heed messages on social distancing, hand hygiene and other advice from the HSE.

An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Kerry County Council continue working together through long-standing cross-county major emergency structures involving agencies in Cork and Kerry to prepare and respond to the needs of communities.

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The joint message from the Mayor of Kerry, HSE representatives and senior Gardaí is clear – everyone must play a role in the days ahead to defend Kerry against the spread of Covid-19.

Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelleher said it’s a time for community and solidarity: “I am appealing to the sense of community and solidarity for which we are renowned in Kerry. At a time of challenge and adversity, I am encouraging all our citizens to look out for the vulnerable members of our community, support our friends and neighbours and show solidarity with those on the front line who are working every available hour to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

“I want to express my solidarity and that of my elected colleagues with the business, retail and hospitality sectors at this difficult and challenging time. We have come through adversity before and we will do so again. For now, community solidarity and responsible individual behaviour are the priorities and with everyone working together in a spirit of community solidarity, we can prevail,” he said.

HSE management said they have been over-whelmed by the support from the people of Kerry to date. Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Ger Reaney, thanked the people of Kerry for their incredible support of all healthcare staff.

“We have been overwhelmed not just by the response of our own staff, but of the wider public. We cannot thank you enough for the offers of accommodation, time, and support for healthcare workers and we appreciate it more than we can tell you. It is very clear to us that all of Kerry is behind us and we are in this together. People have asked us what they can do to help, and the best thing you can do now to strictly follow all the advice on social distancing; staying at home if you are unwell, washing your hands and catching your coughs and sneezes.”

Gerry O’Dwyer, CEO of South-South West Hospital Group said: “South-South West Hospital Group would like to reassure all the people in Kerry and the surrounding region that we are working non-stop to deal with the impact of Covid-19. Every possible arrangement is being made and we would like to thank the public for their continued support in these unprecedented times. The SSWHG is very proud of our dedicated staff and how they have responded to this challenge. The best way to support them in the coming days is to keep your distance from each other and stay at home if you are unwell. We have one opportunity to do the right thing.”

Fearghal Grimes, General Manager of University Hospital Kerry said: “There has been a massive response from the people of Kerry to the challenge we are facing.  This is a difficult time, but we will get through this together – even if that means staying apart. As the weekend approaches, I appeal to everyone to remember the clear advice from experts on keeping our distance. Limiting our social contact now will save many lives. We still have time to interrupt transmission. Everyone can play a part, and everyone has a duty to do so.”

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health for HSE South explained the efforts which all HSE services are involved in and thanked the public for their support.

“There has been a huge demand for testing, however it’s important to note that if you do not have any symptoms testing at that time is ineffective. We are working non-stop on contact tracing and making contact with everyone who has been in close or casual contact with someone who is a confirmed case of Covid-19. People have worked with us on self-isolation when advised, which goes a long way to keep the entire community safe. Now, we need everyone to take the advice on social distancing, hand-washing, and respiratory etiquette. If we have any chance to halt the spread of the virus, this is absolutely critical. I know that Kerry people will work together to keep everyone safe and I want to thank them for this incredible effort.”

Speaking at Tralee Garda Station, Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster said: “All units of An Garda Síochána are committed to and continue to support communities to reduce the impact of COVID 19. We have restructured the deployment of our resources, so we have the personnel available to respond to the policing needs of our community. The Kerry Division will see an allocation of eight newly attested probationer Gardaí to assist in policing and responding to the policing needs of our community.

“We don’t want vulnerable people to put themselves at risk. If any member of the public is in need of assistance, don’t be afraid to call your local Garda station,” she added.

News

Jimmy And Kerins O’Rahillys To Help Get Supplies To Local Community

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Jimmy Moran of Moran’s Shop on Strand Street.

THE Kerins O’ Rahilly’s GAA Club has teamed up with local shopkeeper Jimmy Moran  to offer help to those in the community by organising home deliveries.

Everything will go through Jimmy Moran’s shop on Strand Street and he will let anyone availing of the service know the name of the person delivering  the shopping. He can be called on (066) 7127373.

“Jimmy can let you know how much your shopping comes to and you can leave the payment (after washing your hands) in an envelope outside your front door as you see the delivery person coming,” said a spokesperson for the club.

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“For fuel and prescription collections, payments can be made over the phone in advance. If this isn’t possible again please place money in an envelope for the person delivering. We will offer services such as delivering shopping, medication and fuel for those living alone or unable to do so. It is very important that all assistance be given in a safe hygienic manner.”

“The person delivering will be a local, you will have their number and deliveries will be made in daylight hours. Do Kerins O’Rahillys proud and help those most vulnerable during this unprecedented crisis. We need to stick together now and our club can be a focal point for you,” concluded the spokesperson.

News

Local Supermarkets Taking On Extra Staff During COVID-19 Crisis

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TRALEE Chamber Alliance is informing people who may be facing temporary lay-offs due to business closures in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, that local supermarkets may be taking on short-term staff.

In a post issued earlier today on the Chamber Alliance facebook page, they stated; “All local supermarkets and our partners in Retail Excellence have asked us to put a call out to the tourism, hospitality and non-essential retail sector who may, unfortunately, be facing temporary layoffs at this time.

Essential retail sectors including supermarkets, pharmacy and petrol stations have a need for short-term staff.

If your company is in a position to redeploy staff, or you know someone willing to take up a short-term role, please call in-store and ask to speak with their HR Managers.”

Supermarkets have been extremely busy for the past week as the public reacted to uncertainty as a result of the crisis. Supermarkets have reassured the public that that supply lines are intact and there is no danger of shortages.

News

GAA Clubs Offer Help To Elderly And Vulnerable During Crisis

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Ger Carmody of Churchill GAA, Fionán Fitzgerald of Ballymac GAA and Jimmy Mulligan of St Pats GAA.

A NUMBER of local GAA clubs are asking vulnerable and elderly people in their area to get in touch if they need shopping done or prescriptions collected.

Clubs on the outskirts of town — Churchill, Ballymacelligott and St Pats GAA Club — have put measures in place and provided contact numbers for people to call if they need help.

St Pat’s GAA, in their local news, stated; “We are well aware that there are vulnerable members in our community who in time may have to self-isolate for health reasons, St Pats GAA and its members are available to offer assistance in any way possible in the coming days and weeks to those who require help in carrying out normal day to day tasks such as grocery shopping, getting fuel (petrol, diesel, coal), prescription etc. Our assistance can be provided in the strictest confidence, if required. Please contact club chairperson, Jimmy Mulligan on 087 698 7700 or any club executive member.”

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Ballymac GAA in conjunction with Ballymacelligott Community Alert Group are offering help to anyone in the area that needs it over the next while.

They will offer services such as delivering shopping, medication and fuel for those living alone or unable to do so.

If you need help or would like to volunteer to assist please call or text Fionnán Fitzgerald at 087-986 0441 or Maureen O’Shea at 087-979 5220, Jer Lynch at 087-2025402.

Meanwhile, Churchill GAA are offering similar help. Chairman of the club, Ger Carmody, said they are available to do shopping, collect fuel or medical prescriptions for elderly or vulnerable people who are self-isolating in the Churchill area. You can call Ger on 087-0551999 or Dermot Crowley on 087-7657742 if you need help.

St Brendan’s Hurling Club in Ardfert have also issued contact numbers 087 6651499 or 087 4528078 and say they will help where possible.

Other clubs in the town are encouraging their members to check on elderly and vulnerable people in their areas to see if they can help in any way during the crisis. You can contact them via their facebook pages.

News

Number Of Tralee Restaurants And Pubs Opt To Close For Coming Weeks

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A NUMBER of Tralee’s pubs and restaurants have opted to close for the coming weeks, saying they are doing so for the safety of their staff and their customers.

It comes at a time when there has been a national outcry following images and videos on social media of packed bars in Dublin, clearly not adhering to the ‘Social Distancing’ guidelines, and has resulted in #closethepubs trending on social media platforms.

This morning the Taoiseach said the Government may seek enforcement powers to ban mass gatherings in pubs and clubs.

Last night Hennessy’s Bar, The Blasket and The Slieve Mish were among the bars in Tralee announcing they are now closed, The Huddle will close from 8pm tonight. Paddy Macs and Jack Macs will close from 8pm, Kirby’s Brogue Inn from 7.30pm and Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse from closing time tonight.

Cassidys Restaurant, Ugly Mug Cafe and Yummy Cafe are among the local restaurants closing for the coming weeks. Pubs and restaurants around the county are also opting to shut, including The Fáilte Bar in Killarney and Dick Macs in Dingle.

News

Gardaí Put Measures In Place In Response To Coronavirus

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AN Garda Síochána has today announced measures in relation to the Delay Phase of COVID-19.

An Garda Síochána is putting in place a number of measures to maximise their operational availability and support other vital public services which include restrictions on annual leave for members, the deployment of extra gardaí, the deferral of training at the Garda College and the option to defer retirement.

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The measures announced are;

• A contingency roster will go into effect from Monday March 16th 2020

• Annual leave for personnel will be restricted to no more than 5% of a Divisional/Bureau workforce at any given time with effect from 13 March 2020

• Approximately 325 Garda students in the Garda College will be attested as Garda members next week and allocated to Garda stations nationally in the coming weeks (approximately 200 from one class, and 125 from the next class)

• Garda members working as tutors/instructors in the Garda College will be deployed to operational duties or essential training services

• Training in the Garda College will be deferred until further notice expect for specialist training activity (firearms, driver, armed support)

• In order to enhance community support, 210 additional vehicles have been hired

• Members of An Garda Síochána who were scheduled to avail of the severance package on 1 April 2020 have been invited to defer their retirement for three months

• Subject to Government approval, Garda members of all ranks who have reached the compulsory retirement age can apply to remain in employment for a further 12 months subject to terms and conditions. Any Garda member who is required to retire on age ground on or before 1st June 2020 and wishes to remain in service can forward an application for the consideration of the Commissioner

• The Commissioner has designated the ongoing situation as an “exceptional event” in accordance with the Working Time Agreement

• Non-essential foreign travel will not be undertaken. All unnecessary large gatherings will be restricted. Only essential meetings in accordance with Government guidelines will take place with attendance limited to essential personnel only

Earlier this week, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security established the Garda National Co-ordination Unit.

Headed by a Chief Superintendent, its role is to ensure a co-ordinated approach when dealing with organisational issues with the COVID-19 virus.

News

Tralee Mom Is Not Letting Coronavirus Get In The Way Of Schooling Her Kids

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Michelle Culloty’s new teaching regime.

A LITTLE levity on a grim Friday morning.

While the schools are shut for the next two weeks (at least), for this Tralee mother it’s business as usual as she prepares to home-school her children.

Michelle Culloty is a PDST Primary STEM Advisor/Primary Teacher and her two little ones must have got some land, as she put it, to wake up to a new regime today!

Michelle tweeted the following earlier this morning and it’s well worth a look (scroll further down for a better look at the images)…

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News

Council Offices To Stay Open As They Issue Advice On Using Services

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KERRY County Council is reiterating its message to the public to heed the advice and recommendations of the HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team during the current public health emergency.

In the interests of public health, while council offices throughout the county remain open, members of the public are asked to use a range of online services available on the council’s website, www.kerrycoco.ie and, where possible, to use telephone, post and e-mail to engage with the council.

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A full list of contact numbers and e-mail addresses, including for example, for each of the Municipal District and Area Offices, is available on the council website at http://www.kerrycoco.ie/contact-us/. The main contact number for Kerry County Council is 066 7183500.

Regarding Motor Tax services, Kerry County Council is encouraging members of the public to use the online service, www.motortax.ie or to use postal services in the first instance.

If the nature of the service requires that you attend the Motor Tax Office at Prince’s Quay, Tralee, you are asked to phone the office in advance on 066 7122300 to arrange an appointment.

As the situation evolves, Kerry County Council will provide further updates through the media, on its website, and on its social media platforms.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Number Of Events Planned For Tralee This Weekend Called Off

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IN light of this morning’s announcement of new measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, a number of events which were due to take place in Tralee over the coming days have been called off.

CBS The Green’s ‘Big Maggie’ had been cancelled for Thursday and Friday night. A ‘Gourmet Spring Barbecue’ fundraiser organised by the Caherleaheen NS Parents Association for Ballygarry House Hotel on Friday night, has also been called off.

The Tralee Harriers Half-Marathon 10k and 5k Race to take place on Saturday morning has been postponed until further notice. Also, the Kerry Pride bingo event in The Rose Hotel on Saturday night has been cancelled.

News

Government Announces Schools, Colleges To Close And Cancellation Of Mass Gatherings

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An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

THE Government has stepped up its measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, after An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a statement from Washington DC this morning.

From 6pm today until March 29 the following measure are being put in place.

Schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow and where possible, teaching will be done online or remotely.

Cultural institutions will close. All indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people are cancelled.

People can continue to go to work, but where possible people should work from home. Public transport will remain open and shops will continue to operate and the supply lines will not be interrupted.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain open but should adhere to health advice on social distancing. As a general rule, outside of work, people should limit social interaction.