KERRY County Council will host a Household Hazardous Waste Event on this Saturday, September 14, between 10am–2pm at the County Buildings at Rathass.
This is a chance for householders to freely dispose of household waste that has been building up. This is strictly limited to households, no commercial or farm waste.
Items accepted included aerosols, adhesives, anti-freeze, bleaches, cleaning agents, detergents, drain cleaners, engine coolants, garden fertilisers, garden herbicides and pesticides, glues, household pesticides, inks, mixed fuels, oil filters, paints (limited to 1o cans per household, paint thinners, paint strippers, resins and varnishes.
There is a limited capacity on some waste types. Materials may not be left at the venue outside of collection time.
Check out www.mywaste.ie for a full list of acceptable items
.Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland are installing new bespoke bilingual wayfinding signage at 35 locations around Tralee town centre. Pictured at the new signage installation in the town park are Patricia Greaney, Kerry County Council, Veronica O’Connor, Fáilte Ireland, Cllr. Mikey Sheehy, Mayor of Tralee, Tomás Hayes, Colm Nagle, Micheál Lyons, and Alan Lawlor, all from Kerry County Council. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
INSTALLATION of the new bespoke bilingual wayfinding signage has commenced in Tralee town centre.
The project, which is funded by Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland (under the Destination Town Programme) will see directional, information and interpretive signage installed at 35 locations around the main town core.
The signage is aimed at pedestrians and provides information highlighting and directing visitors to the many points of interest in Tralee. The signature signage gives interpretive information on the town’s many important heritage sites.
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Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, welcomed the signs as a fabulous addition to what Tralee has to offer to visitors: “The signage overlaps and compliments the Tralee Town Heritage Trail and contains QR codes to download the digital trail and audio guide. The signage also contains NaviLens codes which will allow visually impaired people to access interpretive and wayfinding content on their mobile devices,” he said.
The Fáilte Ireland Destination Town Initiative is part of the National Tourism Development Authority’s work to drive a better regional spread of overseas and domestic visitors and spend.
Josephine O’Driscoll, Manager, Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland said: “Fáilte Ireland looks for every opportunity to expand the number of destinations that offer compelling visitor experiences with the potential to drive visitors across the regions. Initiatives, like our Destination Towns Scheme, are critical in doing this by boosting the tourism appeal of destinations across the country. The new bilingual wayfinding signage launched today with not only help visitors navigate Tralee but also highlights the town’s historical, natural, and cultural treasures – bringing the unique story of Tralee to life to new and exciting ways.”
.A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald at County Buildings this week to honour the first elected members of Kerry County Council. Pictured from left: Christy O’Connor (Director of Corporate Services), Cllr Paul Daly, Cllr Robert Brosnan, Cllr Anna O’Sullivan, Cllr Anne O’Sullivan, Cllr Liam Speedy Nolan, Angela McAllen (Deputy Chief Executive), Cllr Norma Moriarty, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, Cllr Angie Baily, Cllr Podge Foley, Cllr Niall O’Callaghan, Owen O’Shea (Communications Officer). Photo: Pauline Dennigan
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, has unveiled a commemorative plaque at County Buildings in Tralee to honour the first elected members of Kerry County Council who were elected to the local authority in 1899.
This year marks 125 years of local government in Ireland and the establishment of county councils under the Local Government Act of 1898.
The first election to Kerry County Council took place on 6 April 1899 and the first meeting of the new local authority took place in the Grand Jury Room at Tralee Courthouse on 22 April.
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The first members of Kerry County Council included those directly elected from 22 electoral divisions as well as the chairpersons of the six Rural District Councils, three members of the Grand Jury, and two co-options.
The first chairperson of Kerry County Council was St. John Donovan from Seafield, The Spa, Tralee, who was High Sheriff of Kerry and a member of Tralee Urban District Council.
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There were some notable figures among those elected or co-opted to the new Council including Lord Ventry from Dingle, Lord Castlerosse from Killarney, and Arthur Blennerhassett of Ballyseedy Castle, as well as MJ Flavin from Tralee, who was MP for Kerry between 1900 and 1918.
Richard Latchford.
Another of the members, James Baily, who represented Tralee and who died shortly after the election, is a relative of a member of the current council, Angie Baily.
“This year marks 125 years of local government in Ireland and the establishment of county councils under the Local Government Act of 1898,” said Cllr Fitzgerald. “This was a transformative moment in Irish local government and in Irish democracy and ensured that, for the first time, local elected assemblies were established to administer services in counties and on a county basis.
MJ Flavin.
“Though much has changed in local government in 125 years, many things have endured and survived that time. Kerry County Council continues to be the local democratically elected forum in which the concerns of the citizens of the county can be expressed, debated, and resolved.
“Public service remains at the heart of what we, do today, as elected members, as it was for those who took their seats on the first Council back in April 1899. We remain dedicated to public service, to bettering our county for all our citizens and to promoting and sustaining local democracy for the benefit of everyone in the county,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.
.A series of free events will be held at Kerry Library to celebrate National Play Day. Pictured at the launch were: Deirdre Hegarty (Healthy Kerry Coordinator), Niamh Doyle (Executive Librarian Kerry County Library), Mayor of Kerry Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald, and Gearóid O’Doherty (Coordinator Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
A SERIES of free events will be held at Kerry Library to celebrate National Play Day from Saturday, July 13 to Saturday, July 20.
National Play Day is an annual initiative of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whereby local authorities are supported to deliver a programme of themed activity that promotes play and recreation opportunities for children and young people across the country.
By linking in with Kerry County Council’s services, partnerships and programmes, Healthy Kerry, Kerry Library and Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership have put together an exciting suite of free play events for children. Click here to see the timetable of events.
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The programme was launched today by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald.
“Allowing time to play for children at every age is crucial for their development. When children have the time and space to play without restriction, their imaginations can soar. Children are happiest and at their most vital and energetic when they play,” said Healthy Kerry Co-ordinator, Deirdre Hegarty.
“Given that play is so important for children’s development and overall happiness, Kerry County Council are delighted to offer a variety of free play workshops through our library services for National Play Day”.
Cahersiveen, Killarney, Listowel, Killorglin and Tralee libraries will host a variety of free play events and workshops to celebrate National Play Day including LEGO, sensory construction playtime, STEM Toys playtime and Irish myths and legends themed arts and crafts.
Maeve Ryan of Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership said: “We are delighted to partner with Healthy Kerry and Kerry library on this fantastic initiative to highlight the importance of play for children, not only for their learning development but their physical development and well-being too”.
Niamh Doyle from Kerry Library said, “Play is essential to help children to learn, explore, and make sense of the world around them. We’re delighted to support this initiative in our libraries.”
.The new Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breándán Fitzgerald.
FIANNA Fáil county councillor, Breandán Fitzgerald, has been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at its Annual Meeting at County Buildings in Tralee today.
Cllr Fitzgerald, who has been a member of Kerry County Council since 2019, represents the Local Electoral Area of Corca Dhuibhne.
A native of Dingle and a native Irish speaker, the 50-year-old is a full-time public representative with a background in tourism.
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“It is an enormous honour to be elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and I am grateful to my colleagues for selecting me for this important role,” he said.
“It is a privilege to be the first citizen of this wonderful county. My focus in the year ahead will be on promoting the county nationally and internationally, securing increased investment for the county, and enhancing the facilities and services which Kerry County Council provides to the people of Kerry. I look forward to working closely with Council management and with communities across Kerry to achieve our common goals,” said Cathaoirleach Fitzgerald.
Cllr Fitzgerald follows in the footsteps of his late father and former Fianna Fáil senator, Tom Fitzgerald, who was Chairperson of Kerry County Council in 1979-1980.
KERRY County Council is to invite expressions of interest next week for the commissioning and development of a commemorative and artistic piece which will honour the role played by women in Kerry during the revolutionary period between 1912 and 1923.
The project follows a joint motion by the five female members of Kerry County Council who called for the development and commissioning of a meaningful and lasting commemorative piece which would reflect the significant and diverse roles and activities of women and their involvement in the campaign for Irish Independence at the beginning of the twentieth century.
A Working Group, including the five female councillors, has been developing a design brief, and the Council intends to publish a detailed brief for the memorial next week and expressions of interest will be invited.
KERRY County Council has published detailed information on its website in relation to the forthcoming elections to Kerry County Council. Elections for the six Local Electoral Areas in Kerry will be held on Friday, June 7.
Information about key dates, the Register of Electors, the nomination process for candidates and other relevant information is provided to ensure that voters and election candidates are fully informed about all aspects of the election process.
Eligible electors who are not registered to vote must do so before Monday, May 20. Those wishing to be included on the Postal Voters List or the Special Voters List must register by Saturday, 11 May.
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The Council operates a Freephone Number for any queries about the Register of Electors which can be contacted on 1800 245 380 during office hours.
The period during which candidates can submit their nomination papers is Saturday, 11 May and Saturday, 18 May. Arrangements for the receipt of nominations will be made with individual candidates and the political parties by the Kerry County Council Returning Officer, Martin O’Donoghue.
The Council webpages on the local elections also includes important information for candidates about legislation dealing with election expenditure, data protection, and election posters. For example, election posters cannot be erected before 8 May and must be removed within seven days of polling.
This site will continue to be updated with further information about the local elections in the coming weeks, including a full list of candidates in each of the six Local Electoral Areas following the close of nominations.
Members of the public can also keep up to date via the Kerry County Council social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
KERRY County Council is to receive €3,946,095 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in supporting cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
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Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025.
Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
Projects that will be funded include:
• Development or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
• Development or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities;
• Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
• Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations
• Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Education and Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley said: “The Community Recognition Fund will give towns and villages across Kerry an opportunity to create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for all. This is a very significant funding announcement by Government with over €3.9m being allocated to Kerry County Council and it builds on the €4. 4 million allocated to the county in 2023. By investing in facilities and organisations that facilitate integration and community participation, we are building stronger communities that embrace diversity while promoting social cohesion.”
THE Honorary Consul for the southwest of Ireland, Katherine Fitzpatrick met with Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Councillor Jim Finucane and representatives of the executive this week.
Ms Fitzpatrick and a British Embassy delegation learnt about Kerry’s urban and rural regeneration projects in Kerry and why Kerry is a great place to live, work and visit.’
The Honorary consul is on a three day visit to the county, visiting the RDI hub, Astellas, Fexco and MTU.
The trip is part of an British Embassy initiative to promote economic links and opportunities between regions of Ireland and the UK, identifying how cities, towns and regions can collaborate to help resolve shared challenges.
KERRY County Council and Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invite applications for funding under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, announced a new €6 million capital fund to support small community groups and organisations, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Kerry received a total of €180,000 under the Scheme to assist community groups across the County.
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Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane, encouraged community and voluntary groups to apply to the fund which offers a valuable opportunity to progress important projects and initiatives across the county.
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding. Women’s Groups will also be entitled to apply for the general funding available for community groups under the Local Enhancement Programme.
The closing date for submission of applications is Monday 26th February 2024. For more information, visit the Kerry County Council website at https://www.kerrycoco.ie/
KERRY County Council is reminding communities across the county that funding is available under the Community Climate Action Programme for 2024.
Funding of over €600,000 has been provided for projects in Kerry which will help to build low-carbon and sustainable communities.
The goal of the programme, which is led by the Department of the Environment, is to support community-based initiatives which contribute to achieving Ireland’s national climate action and energy targets and which tackle climate action at a local level.
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The fund is divided into two strands:
Strand-1 – Action: Building Low Carbon Communities: Kerry County Council have been given an allocation of €663,000 for projects regarding climate action. Under this scheme, communities will partner with Kerry County Council to carry out projects that will have a direct and positive impact on climate change.
Strand 1a – Shared Island Community Climate Action: This strand enables communities to carry out a cross-border project in partnership with a community in Northern Ireland.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane, said: “Climate action and building sustainable communities requires the involvement and cooperation of everyone. This funding will help to deliver tangible community-led projects which can contribute to supporting our collective ambitions to move towards a low-carbon economy and to achieve climate action targets. I would encourage community groups to apply,” he said.
Community groups which are not-for-profit and are registered with the Kerry Participation Network are eligible to apply and full details are available on the Kerry County Council website or by email from richard.curtin@kerrycoco.ie.
The funding received by a Community Organisation will depend on the size of a project:
• Small scale projects will be granted, less than €20,000
• Medium scale projects will be granted, €21,000 to €50,000
• Large scale projects will be granted, €51,000 to €100,000
KERRY County Council is inviting members of the public to join an online information session this week which marks the beginning of public consultation on a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for Kerry.
The Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has begun the preparation of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LCEP) for the period 2023 to 2029.
An online information webinar will be taking place on Wednesday, February 7 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams and members of the public can now register for the webinar on www.kerrycoco.ie
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The Local Economic and Community Plan is a six-year plan which guides the development of County Kerry from economic, community, cultural, recreation and other perspectives.
It helps to guide and direct local government, state agencies, community sector, local development groups and other bodies that are involved in the development of County Kerry.
Kerry County Council have opened a public consultation process for members of the public to have their say on the plan. The support and participation of the public is essential to ensure the success of the plan in reflecting the views and ambitions of the people in the county.
The feedback received from the webinar along with public consultations completed during 2023 will be vital for the development of the new LECP.
KERRY County Council has announced the Festival and Participative Events Programme for Kerry for 2024.
The announcement comes after Fáilte Ireland recently approved an allocation of €75,250 to Kerry County Council under the Festival and Participative Events Programme for this year.
The Programme aims to support festivals and participate events that will drive domestic tourism and help to improve the visitor experience in Kerry.
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To be considered for funding under this programme:
• Festivals must generate a minimum of 500 bed nights for visitors or tourists in paid accommodation.
• Participative events must generate a minimum of 800 bed nights for visitors or tourists in paid accommodation.
• Festivals and participative events must have a minimum project expenditure of €10,000.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane, encouraged festivals in Kerry to apply for the funding describing the programme as an important revenue stream for such events which are an integral part of the Kerry tourism offering each year.
The application forms as well as the guidelines for the programme are now available on the Kerry County Council website. Applications must be received on or before 16 February 2024.
THERE were over 2,000 requests for housing maintenance repairs from Council tenants in the Tralee Municipal District last year.
At the meeting of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council this morning, Cllr. Deirdre Ferris asked how many requests were made by Tralee MD tenants forrepairs/replacements in 2023, a breakdown of requests and how many of those requests were carried out.
In reply, Kerry County Council said there were 2,001 requests for housing maintenance repairs from their tenants in 2023.
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Of these, 1,800 of these requests were actioned, 190 of the requests were refused on then basis of tenants in arrears or it was the tenant own responsibility as per the Tenant Handbook. There are 211 repair requests under consideration.
Cllr Ferris thanked Council Management for supplying the figures, but said the amount of requests was a damning indictment of the condition of some of the homes in the Tralee MD. She also said she had particular concerns about old and degraded windows on properties.
KERRY County Council along with Kerry School of Music are delighted to announce that Kerry County Council’s Steinway Model D Concert County Piano has been fully serviced recently.
The service which entailed an assessment of the instrument, cleaning out of the interior, full action and tonal regulation of the keyboard: shaping the hammers, the dampers were checked and adjusted, the pedal mechanism was cleaned and regulated and tuned to A440 Hz.
It is available for recitals/masterclasses etc. by professional artists, subject to receiving appropriate applications and they have public liability insurance.
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Its permanent base is the Kerry School of Music and is available to hire however an application must be completed first and once approved it must be transferred by Jeffers of Bandon only.
Application forms are available on the Kerry County Council website. https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/arts-forms-funding/ For additional information and support contact the Arts Office on 066 7183541 or email arts@kerrycoco.ie
.Fianna Fáil’s Tralee Electoral Area candidates Anne O’Sullivan and Cllr Mikey Sheehy with Minister for Education Norma Foley at the Brandon Hotel on Monday night.
THERE will be two Fianna Fáil candidates contesting for Kerry County Council seats in the Tralee Electoral Area next year.
The FF selection convention for the 2024 Kerry Local Electoral Area Elections took place in the Brandon Hotel Tralee on Monday evening.
The Convention was chaired by Minister Niall Collins, with Minister Norma Foley TD and local party membership in attendance.
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Selected on the night were: Councillor Mikey Sheehy, (Tralee Local Electoral Area) and Anne O’Sullivan, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Norma Foley, (also Tralee Electoral Area); Councillor Niall Kelliher, (Killarney Local Electoral Area); Councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald, (Castleisland Local Electoral Area);
All candidates were wished well in the upcoming local elections and gratitude was expressed to Councillor Johnny Wall, Mayor of Tralee, who is due to retire from politics next June.
Johnny was commended for his contribution to the Tralee Municipal District and Local Electoral Area and to politics in Kerry for many decades.
KERRY County Council is inviting applications from community organisations in Kerry for funding for climate action projects.
Funding of €663,000 has been made available by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for projects which support and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way which contributes to national climate and energy targets.
The Community Climate Action Programme is being delivered across the country and Kerry County Council has opened applications for funding under the scheme.
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Eligible projects include those in the areas of Community and Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and Recycling, and Local Climate and Environmental Action.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane said: “This funding offers a great opportunity for community groups to shape climate action in their own communities. Over the next eighteen months, it will be very exciting to see what projects are developed across Kerry.
“Communities are at the heart of how we deliver climate action in Kerry and through this fund we will empower communities to undertake climate action at a local level. COP 28 has highlighted the global challenges we face as a country when it comes to climate change and with the upcoming, soon to be published, Kerry County Council Climate Action Plan coupled with this fund, Kerry can become a leader in the journey to a low carbon society,” said Cllr Finucane.
The Community Climate Action Programme can fund up to 100% of all eligible costs for a successful project.
The grants are available in three categories: small grants are up to €20,000, medium size grants are between €20,000 and €50,000 and large-scale grant are between €50,000 and a €100,000. Applicant groups are required to meet a number of criteria.
Applications for the funding are open until March 6, 2024. Full details are available on the Kerry County Council website.
KERRY County Council is inviting members of the public to have their say on the Council’s Draft Climate Action Plan and to join the discussion on how the local authority can support communities to adapt to climate change.
The Council has published its Draft Local Authority Climate Action Plan (2024-2029) outlining the main challenges facing the various sectors in the county in the years ahead, and how a collaborative approach to decarbonisation and climate change can be achieved.
Submissions on the plan can now be made through the Kerry County Council website and a number of drop-in public consultation sessions are planed over the coming weeks.
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“As we face the challenges of climate change, Kerry County Council has now developed its Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) in line with National Climate Action policy,” said Paul Neary, Acting Director of Services with Kerry County Council.
‘The Climate Action Plan sets out how the Council, along with all stakeholders, will tackle the challenges the county faces from climate change. The plan specifically addresses mitigation, how we can actively cut harmful emissions and adaptation, and ways in which we can cope with impacts into the future.”
“We know, for example, the county is likely to experience increased temperatures, heavier rainfall and more severe winter storms. The knock-on effects are already evident. They include increased flooding, coastal erosion but also how we deliver services across the community and likely impacts on our biodiversity and wildlife. Everyone is now invited to contribute towards achieving a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy,” said Mr Neary.
The plan has been coordinated by the Council’s Climate Action Team and is informed by early and proactive engagement with the public and stakeholders over the summer months.
The Draft Climate Action Plan, along with several environmental reports that accompany the plan, are available for viewing at https://consult.kerrycoco.ie/ and in local libraries.
A number of drop-in events on the plan will be held around the county: in Dingle Library on November 2nd from 6.30pm-7.30pm; Tralee Library on November 14th from 6.30pm-8pm; Caherciveen Library on November 16th from 6.30pm-8pm; Killarney Library on November 21st from 6.30pm-8pm and Listowel Library on November 23rd from 6.30pm-8pm.
Submissions and comments on the Climate Action Plan can be made online until 1 December 2023 or by post to the Climate Action Unit, Kerry County Council, Woodland Industrial Estate, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 XF98.
KERRY County Council is offering householders in the county the opportunity to dispose of old mattresses, free of charge, at the North Kerry Landfill site near Tralee this week.
Householders can dispose of up to two clean and dry mattresses at the landfill at Muingnaminnane between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 and 7 September.
This collection is for households only and commercial disposal is not permitted.
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The mattress disposal initiative is part of Kerry County Council’s anti-dumping programme and recognises the difficulties which can be associated with disposing of large items such as mattresses.
The North Kerry Landfill on to the Tralee to Lyreacrompane/Knocknagoshel road is located at Eircode V92 K44V.
KERRY County Council is inviting members of the public to join the discussion on how the local authority can support communities to mitigate climate change and what a new Climate Action Plan for the county should contain and prioritise.
The council has published a report outlining the main challenges facing the various sectors in the county in the years ahead and how a collaborative approach to decarbonisation and climate change can be achieved.
Members of the public are invited to have their say on the report and what they believe the priorities of a new Climate Action Plan should be. Submissions can be made through the consultation portal on the Kerry County Council website (click here).
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“As we face the challenges of climate change, Kerry County Council has started to develop a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP),” said Paul Neary, Director of Services with Kerry County Council.
“The Climate Action Plan will set out how the council, along with all stakeholders, will tackle the challenges the county faces from climate change. The plan will specifically address mitigation – how we can actively cut harmful emissions and ways in which we can cope with impacts into the future.
“We know, for example, the county is likely to experience increased temperatures, heavier rainfall and more severe winter storms. The knock-on effects are already evident. They include increased flooding, coastal erosion but also how we deliver services across the community and likely impacts on our biodiversity and wildlife,” said Mr Neary.
The development of the new plan is being coordinated by the council’s Climate Action Team. All stakeholders and members of the public are invited to contribute towards achieving a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy.
To inform the discussion around what actions will be required for Kerry to mitigate and adapt to climate change, the council has drafted a Baseline Evidence Summary Report.
The report, available at consult.kerrycoco.ie outlines the main challenges faced by the county and individual sectors working and living in Kerry.
Among the key questions the Council is inviting members of the public to consider are:
• How should Kerry County Council influence and support communities to mitigate climate change and move towards decarbonisation?
• How should Kerry County Council influence and support communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and become resilient?
• Do you have any issues, suggestions or recommendations that you would like to see added to the Climate Action Plan for County Kerry?
Submissions and/or any other comments or thoughts on the Climate Action Plan can be made until 8 August 2023.
KERRY County Council wish the public to know that, following the receipt of further test results from samples taken at Ballybunion in recent days, the prohibition on bathing and swimming has been lifted with immediate effect.
The investigation into the cause of the contamination is ongoing. On Wednesday, elevated levels of bacteria in the water were found in water samples and the Council prohibited bathing and swimming at both Ballybunion North and South beaches.
.Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Cllr Jim Finucane. Photo: Domnick Walsh
TRALEE-BASED Fine Gael councillor, Jim Finucane, has been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at its Annual Meeting at County Buildings in Tralee today.
Cllr Finucane, who has been a member of Kerry County Council since 2009, is a Tralee-based auctioneer and is currently chairperson of the Kerry Education and Training Board. He is a former Mayor of Tralee and was a member of Tralee Urban District Council for fourteen years.
Speaking following his election as Cathaoirleach today, Cllr Finucane said: ‘It is a tremendous honour to be elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council. We live in and represent a very special place.
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‘My focus will be to enhance and protect all that is important to us but, at the same time, drive an economic programme to provide meaningful jobs to re-energise our rural and urban communities.’
Cllr Johnnie Wall (FF), also of the Tralee Municipal District, was today elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council.
KERRY County Council will announce details of events to be held during the Rose of Tralee Festival in the coming weeks.
It comes after the local authority hosted meetings today with a number of stakeholders in relation to the preparations for a street festival and family events which will be held between August 18-23.
The elected members of the Tralee Municipal District were updated on the current preparations and there were also meetings with Tralee Chamber Alliance and the Tralee Vintners.
All parties remain closely engaged and fully committed to developing a street festival and family activities and will be announcing more details in the coming weeks.
.A new free Wi-fi service has been launched for Listowel town.
FREE publicly accessible wi-fi is now available in Listowel town as part of a EU initiative. Listowel is the first town in Kerry to benefit from the new service which was launched this week by the Cathaoirleach of the Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Aoife Thornton.
WiFi4EU promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces including parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centres and museums in urban centres throughout Europe.
The Wi-Fi at various locations around the town will be of benefit to visitors especially, but also to local users who may not have mobile data packages.
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Cllr. Thornton warmly welcomed the new service: “Providing free Wi-Fi to the public and especially to visitors to Listowel, complements not only our new Greenway but the extensive development of the public realm and the use of outdoor spaces around the town.”
Developed with EU funding of €15,000 with matched finance from the Department of Rural & Community Development, the service is provided by Kerry County Council with the support of Listowel Chamber Alliance.
The Wi-Fi is available at multiple sites in the town, such as the Square, the Town Park, the Community Centre, the Library, the Courthouse and Kerry County Council offices, parts of William Street, Market Street, Church Street and Courthouse Road.
A map showing service locations and providing further information and links is available on the Council’s website: https://www.kerrycoco.ie/wifi4eu/
.‘Beau’ with Transition year Students of St. Brigid’s Secondary School Killarney, who are teaming up with Kerry County Council and other local schools in Kerry to draw attention to the issue of dog fouling. Students include, Sorcha Beazley, Emma O’Sullivan, Evie Fahy, Lauren Carey, Kerri Lenihan, Méabh Doolan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
KERRY County Council is teaming up with local schools to draw attention to the issue of dog fouling.
The initiative will be run through the Green Schools Programme and will involve students patrolling areas near their schools, spraying any dog faeces found with temporary bright yellow spray paint, thereby highlighting the prevalence of the problem.
“Dog fouling damages the aesthetic value of our shared public spaces, and is a nuisance that undermines our outdoor experience, particularly for vulnerable members of society such as children, those with visual impairments, and wheelchair users,” said Breda Moriarty, Environmental Awareness Officer with Kerry County Council.
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“But dog fouling also carries a more serious risk. Dog faeces is harmful to people’s health as it can contain dangerous parasites and bacteria,” she added.
Kerry County Council is urging dog owners to take responsibility by picking up after their dogs and reducing the amount of dog faeces being left in public spaces. Speaking at St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney, this week, Breda Moriarty reminded dog owners of their responsibilities.
“The schools involved in this campaign will assist in highlighting the problem, but we want to see dog owners take responsibility by picking up after their pets. We hope that this campaign will change attitudes to dog fouling and lead to an overall reduction in the phenomenon.”
A similar initiative was run by Galway City Council recently and it resulted in a 50% reduction in dog fouling.
Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, dog owners are legally obliged to clean up after their pets if they foul in public places, with owners who fail to do so facing fines of €150. Non-payment of these initial fines can prove even more costly, carrying penalties of up to €3,000 on conviction.
In 2022, Kerry County Council processed the highest number of fines for instances of dog fouling of any local authority.
KERRY County Council in association with Creative Ireland, has launched its new Creativity & Cultural Strategy 2023-2028.
The strategy is informed by public consultation which took place in 2022. Online questionnaires, an online public meeting, and internal culture team meetings helped shape the focus of this strategy.
Kerry County Culture & Creativity team reviewed the original strategy that was devised in 2017 and made changes that reflected the evolving priorities of the community.
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The team incorporated contributions from community stakeholders that will encourage people to engage, participate and enable their creative potential.
Creative Ireland has allocated €918,764.96 to Creative Ireland projects in Kerry county since 2017. €161,161 is to be allocated for core Creative Ireland initiatives in Kerry county in 2023.
Deputy Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Bobby O’Connell attended the team launch in Tralee on Monday.
“Creative Ireland Kerry is an important programme; it delivers great opportunities for many communities to take part in creativity. The strategy, the work of the culture team in KCC, and the input from local creatives and communities across Kerry, shows us that our creativity and culture is in safe hands moving forward,” stated Cllr.O’Connell.
The new vision for creative activity in Kerry County was devised in consultation with the people of the county and will be delivered by Kerry County Culture and Creativity team, led by Kate Kennelly the Creative Ireland Coordinator and Kerry County Arts Officer.
Emphasis will be placed on enabling the growth of the creative sector in Kerry, providing young people with more creative opportunities, ensuring that Kerry County Council maintains a flexible and adaptable creative programme and are open to new opportunities if they occur and supporting creative climate action initiative.
KERRY County Council is encouraging people and groups to get their applications in for Creative Ireland Kerry’s Creative Communities Awards Scheme as there is only four days to deadline.
Applications are being accepted from community groups, arts groups, artists, creative practitioners, venues and festivals etc.
Grants of up to €5,000 are available for communities to work with a creative practitioner on a creative or cultural project which will culminate in a showcase event, launch or talk etc.
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The closing date for receipt of applications by email to arts@kerrycoco.ie is 1pm next Tuesday 28th February.
The guidelines and application form which are available in English and Irish, FAQ’s and the slides from the information session can be found in the Forms/Funding section of the Kerry Arts Office website: https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/
.‘Yard Duets’ performed at Castleisland Day Care centre.
AN interactive dance performance, specially designed for residents in care settings, visited care homes around the county during last week.
‘Yard Duets’ is a Dance Limerick/DL.BRIDGE project, funded by Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council in 2021.
As part of Kerry County Council’s dancer in residency co-funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland, Catherine Young brought the show to care homes in Kerry last week.
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Yard Duets visited Our Lady of Fatima, Tralee; Castleisland Day Care, Coill na Darach, Killarney; Our Lady of Lourdes, Kilcummin; Ard Chúram, Listowel; Aperee Living, Tralee; Kenmare Nursing Home; Taobh Linn, Kenmare; Áras Mhuire, Listowel and Aperee Ocean View, Camp.
Yard Duets was devised and performed by dance duos Kristyn Fontanella and Laura Lundy, and Rachel Sheil and Sarah Fennell.
Each performance came with bags of energy and plenty of pzazz and was a colourful affair of joyful dances and characterful routines set to a medley of classic music.
“It’s really important that everyone have an opportunity to experience live performance by dance artists,” says Catherine Young. “This show brings great joy and fun with it.”
“We were delighted to have Yard Duets with us under the dancer in residence programme – this was a great opportunity for older people to access free dance performance in a relaxed and fun-filled way,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council.
To find out more about events and opportunities with the residencies contact the Arts Office at arts@kerrycoco.ie or visit https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/
.Pictured at the launch of applications for the Community Support Fund at Kerry County Council Chambers this week were Moira Murrell CEO Kerry County Council, Cathaoirleach if KCC Cllr John Francis Flynn and Niamh O’Sullivan KCC. Photo by Domnick Walsh
KERRY County Council has today opened applications for the Community Support Fund for 2023.
Community groups across Kerry can now apply to the fund through the Kerry County Council website and the closing date is Wednesday, February 8.
A total of €750,000 is being made available through this year’s scheme. The fund, which is now in its ninth year, has supported over 2,680 projects since 2015.
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The 2023 Community Support Fund was launched by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn who encouraged community groups to apply.
“Millions have been distributed to community groups over the past nine years through this vital funding stream and it has allowed voluntary and community organisations in the county to upgrade community facilities, to support local projects and to enhance existing services. I would encourage voluntary and community groups to apply at the earliest opportunity,” said Cllr Flynn.
There are four main categories eligible for funding this year including:
• Rebuilding and Reconnecting Communities
• Tidy Towns Initiatives and Amenity Projects
• Community Economic Innovation
• Community Tourism, Festivals and Events
Queries should be referred by email to the Municipal District which groups are applying to or by contacting the Community and Tourism Department at Kerry County Council on (066) 7183680.
KERRY’S Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, has called for an urgent review of KCC’s Winter Plan, stating he believed that the cold freeze last week demonstrated the current plan is deficient.
Deputy Pa Daly was referring in particular to some areas of north and mid Kerry where he says there was insufficient resources spent on gritting some routes.
“Kerry County Council’s Winter Plan needs to be revised urgently. The overall response was simply not good enough,” said Deputy Daly.
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“I would like to credit Roads and Council staff for their efforts in keeping our main roads clear which is essential for emergency vehicles.
“However, too many areas were left out of the plan in the first place and residents were left struggling in dangerous conditions to get to work, school and to medical appointments. It is not good enough that main routes into Tralee from Causeway and Ballyduff and into Listowel from Ballybunion and Tarbert remained dangerous, only to be added to the plan after the fact.
“I heard from residents of housing estates in Castlemaine and Milltown that were unable to leave their houses for a number of days despite the main roads being passable. Their own estates were like glass and too dangerous to walk or drive out of.
“These residents would gladly have gritted their own properties but could not get out to access salt. Better planning would have ensured that these communities and estates had access to enough salt at the start of the freeze to deal with their own areas.
“It is clear that we need a Winter plan for the entire county that covers not just main roads but key roads into towns, and also that we deliver enough sand to local communities to allow them to grit their own roadways and housing estates.
“These are the kinds of services it is fair to expect in return for the property tax we are paying these days. We need more equipment and more people to assist in keeping our roads safe. It is notable that Tralee Urban area employed approximately 20 road staff in the early 2000’s; there are presently eight. Nothing was done to rehire staff who left through attrition or retirement.
“I raised my concerns with the CEO of Kerry County Council and asked that the Winter Plan be revised as a matter of priority,” concluded Deputy Daly.
KERRY County Council has published detailed information on its website in relation to the forthcoming elections to Kerry County Council. Elections for the six Local Electoral Areas in Kerry will be held on Friday, June 7.
KERRY County Council and Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invite applications for funding under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.
KERRY County Council is encouraging people and groups to get their applications in for Creative Ireland Kerry’s Creative Communities Awards Scheme as there is only four days to deadline.
