Tag Archives: Kerry County Council

News

Council Makes Grit Available In 108 Locations Around The County

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GRIT is being provided by Kerry County Council in 108 locations throughout the county today.

Although last night wasn’t as cold in the Tralee area as previous nights, sections of roads are still dangerous and caution is advised. The cold spell continues for the rest of the week. It will be cloudy for the rest of Tuesday in the Tralee area with freezing temperatures again overnight.

Wednesday will be sunny, but very cold again and temperatures will dip even further over Wednesday and Thursday night, getting as low as -5 degrees in the early hours of Friday morning.

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The grit is placed today at the following local locations…

Tralee Municipal District

Tralee Town

Matt Talbot Car Park
Muing/Oakpark Road Junction
Castlemorris Terrace
Aquadome Car Park.
Shanakill.
Rahoonane.
Caherina Cross
Rathass Burial Ground (Ballinorig side).
The Mart
Spa Road

Tralee Rural

Leith Cross
Tonevane Cross
Derrymore / Camp
Ardfert Graveyard.
Fenit Village.
Spa / Tankard Bar.

Listowel Municipal District

Listowel Town – Neodata Site
Causeway – Church Carpark
Finuge – GAA Carpark
Duagh – GAA Carpark
Moyvane – Parking area near GAA pitch
Knockanure – Near Ahavoher Burial Ground
Tarbert – Near Sensory Garden – N-69
Ballyheigue – Beach Carpark
Kilmoyley – Church Carpark
Ballylongford – Church yard
Abbeydorney – Near GAA Pitch
Lixnaw – Parking area near Playground near ICW wetlands
Kilflynn- Area near Village Crossroads (adjacent to Parkers Bar)
Lisselton – Near Bottle Banks
Asdee –  Near Bottle Banks
Ballyduff – Church Yard
Ballybunion – Fire Station

Castleisland and Corca Dhuibhne MD

Castleisland Area

Brosna GAA Field
Knocknagoshel GAA Field
Knocknaboul Cross, Ballydesmond
Cordal, outside Graveyard
Glountane Br., Cordal
Farranfore, outside Páirc Eamonn pitch
Cahereens, Castleisland
Quarry Cross, Gneeveguilla
Ballymac (opposite the Halfway Bar)
Scartaglen Village near Riordan’s Garage
Currow Old Creamery
Anabla National School
Reenagowan Cross (Dan Paddy Andy’s Cross)
Lyrecrompane (opposite the Post Office)
Firies Village – church car park

Dingle West:

Lispole – at the layby near the Church
Ventry Carpark
Ballyferriter – near the National School
Dun Chaoin –  near Krugers
Murioch – at the beach carpark adjacent to the Gaeltacht grounds
Feohanagh at the cross roads

Dingle East:

Boolteens –carpark across from the church
Keel  -Painted wall
Inch – carpark across from church
Annascaul – Mountain Stage
Clahane – Carpark next to the church
Castlegregory – Community Centre West Main Street
Camp – Parking area lower camp
Stradbally – Creamery

Killarney Municipal District 

Killarney Town

High St. Car park
Lewis Road Car park
Adjacent to the Cahernane Hotel on Muckross road
New St Car park

Killarney Rural

Coolick National School
Loughquittane National School
Mangerton Road Lay-by
Ballyhar Church
Shrone Cross
Raheen National School
Knockanes National School
Glounonea Grotto
Old Kilcummin Creamery
Flynn Forge
Clonkeen Church
Listry GAA pitch
Knockacullig North
Rathmore Village – creamery yard

Kenmare Municipal District

Cahersiveen

Caherciveen  –  Fair Green at the rear of the Library
Kells  –  Kells Station N70
Foilmore football field
Reenard football field
Chapeltown football field
Ballinskelligs  –  Ballinskelligs football field
Dromid  –  Dromid football field
Waterville  –  Inny Bridge N70
Caherdaniel – Caherdaniel Car Park
Castlecove  –  Church N70

Killorglin

Killorglin – Kerry County Council Compound on the Cromane road
Beaufort – Churchtown car park
Milltown – Opposite the Mart on Miles Lane
Glenbeigh – Car park on Rossbeigh road
Cromane – Kerry County Council Compound on the Cromane road
Glencar Church
Kiltallagh Church
Castlemaine Pier
Holy Cross to Ballyfinnane– Parking area at River Maine Bridge
Ballyfinnane Community Cente
Gap of Dunloe, Kate Kearney’s Cottage

Kenmare

Kenmare – Pier Rd
Sneem – N70 at Junction of Oriech Rd
Kilgarvan – Dance Hall R569
Bonane – Between Bonane Church N71 and Bonane NS
Lauragh – Lauragh Church R571
Blackwater – Direendaragh Church
Templenoe – Templenoe Church

News

Enhancement Works To Start At Hawley Park Next Week

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THE Housing Capital Unit of Kerry County Council wishes to advise that Environmental Enhancement Works will take place at Hawley Park, Tralee, from Monday, November 14 to an anticipated completion date of May 8, 2023.

Enhancement works include road resurfacing, footpath replacements, installation of car parking bays, drainage services upgrade and landscaping works.

Pedestrian and emergency access will be facilitated at all times. Temporary Traffic Management will be in place and vehicular access will be facilitated as much as is practicable.

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A temporary carpark will also be provided in Hawley Park during the course of the works.

Kerry County Council is upgrading the infrastructure in the area and say the public’s cooperation is appreciated on the matter.

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News

Biodiversity Officer To Be Appointed At Kerry County Council

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KERRY County Council is one of ten local authorities have been awarded funding to appoint biodiversity officers to deliver and drive local action for biodiversity.

The creation of a biodiversity officer post in Kerry, announced today, is being warmly welcomed by the local branch of the Green Party.

The new biodiversity officers will have a wide variety of responsibilities. Among other things, they will be required to:

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• Develop and implement a county biodiversity plan
• Advise the local authority on biodiversity related issues and the authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity
• Establish a county biodiversity forum
• Assist local authority departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions and policies through training and supporting information dissemination
• Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice.

“It’s wonderful to see Kerry receiving funding for this post,” says Cleo Murphy, Green Party representative for Kenmare.

“Given the rich natural heritage of the county we need to have an official in Kerry County Council overseeing the protection of that heritage. Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan has taken a keen interest in Kerry since he was appointed and we’re delighted he has prioritised Kerry in this move.”

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News

Book Of Condolences For People Of Creeslough

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Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council John Francis Flynn signs the book of condolences this morning.

THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn, has opened a Book of Condolences for the people of Creeslough.

The Book of Condolences can be signed by members of the public during office hours at County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee.

Cllr Flynn said: “The entire country has been deeply shocked and moved by the tragic incident in Donegal on Friday. On behalf of the members of Kerry County Council and the people of Kerry, I express my sympathies and solidarity with the people of Creeslough at this enormously difficult time. Those who lost their lives, their families, and the wider community are in our thoughts and prayers.”

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News

PHOTOS: Kerry Diaspora Honoured At Gala Dinner In The Rose Hotel

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Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland, Miriam Ferriter of Dingle Skellig Hotel and Lorcan Ó Cinnéide of The Blasket Centre at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean

MEMBERS of the Kerry diaspora who are to the fore in promoting Kerry from a visitor and economic viewpoint, were honoured in Tralee on Friday at an event which is part of the ‘An Turas Mór– the Homecoming Kerry Festival’.

The special event, which took place in the Rose Hotel, Tralee, saw 23 members of the Kerry diaspora, based in London, Manchester and Massachusetts, honoured for their work.

Six recipients who have passed to their eternal reward, were represented by family members and friends who travelled to accept the award on their behalf.

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Those honoured on the night were Dan Tim O’Sullivan; Noel O’Sullivan; Brendan Riney RIP ; Patrick McGillicuddy; Christy Kissane RIP; Denis Nolan; Liz Shanahan; Fr. John Ahern; Patsy Byrne RIP; Pat Griffin; Vincent Harty RIP; Mary Sugrue; John Murphy RIP; Sheilagh O’Connor; Monty Mythen; Sean Cahillane; Tom Roche; John Griffin; Sheilagh McCarthy; Anthony O’Gara; John Flavin RIP; Gerry Rochford and Teresa McCarthy Dixon.

The idea to honour these recipients arose from a meeting between Kerry County Council and the Kerry Association in London earlier this year, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn paid tribute to the recipients, recognising their love of the county and their desire to work on behalf of Kerry.

He also stated that plans were underway to hold a similar event in the USA next year to honour New York based members of the diaspora.

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell stated that it was fantastic to see the work that the Kerry diaspora do in terms of investing in the county, and promoting Kerry as a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

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The continuing work of the Kerry diaspora into the future was also recognised on Friday evening, as the Kerry Convention Bureau unveiled their Kerry Ambassador Programme.

This has been created for community and industry leaders who are interested in supporting the county by influencing and attracting business events and investment opportunities to Kerry.

A group of 37 highly regarded key influencers and decision-makers who hail from Kerry and across the globe, representing sectors such as community, enterprise, academia, business, engineering, medicine, science, technology, sport, arts and culture, and who have demonstrated their commitment and passion for their county will use their knowledge and connections to advocate for Kerry. Scroll down for photos…

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Patrick Doyle, Niamh O’Sullivan, Michelle Culloo and Bridget Fitzgerald at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Connie Kelly, Noel O’Sullivan and Mayor Mikey Sheehy at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Brian Kissane, Ursula Kissane, Stephanie McGuinness and Belinda Kissane at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Terry O’Brien and Teresa O’Brien at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Sheila Dickson, Orla Harty, Debbie Paxton and Dee Cascarina at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Edel Lawlor and Clodagh O’Sullivan at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Becky Hargrove, Ciara Sugrue and Breffni Ingerton at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary J Murphy, Vince Dignam and Breda Horgan at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Paris McCarthy and Sheila McCarthy at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mairead Corridan, Peter Middleton and Sheila O’Connor at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Oonagh O’Gara, Suzan O’Gara, Steve Cronly, Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy and Anthony O’Gara at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
Hugh O’Donoghue and Madeleine O’Donoghue at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Niamh O’Sullivan and Michelle Reidy Gallagher at an event in The Rose Hotel on Friday night to honour members of the Kerry diaspora. Photo by Dermot Crean

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News

Book Of Condolences For Queen Elizabeth II Opened At Council Buildings

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A BOOK of Condolences for the late Queen Elizabeth II has been opened at the offices of Kerry County Council at County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee.

Members of the public who wish to sign the Book of Condolences may do so during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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News

Foley Calls For Investigation After Bogslide In Ballymacelligott Area

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Cllr Cathal Foley.

SINN Féin Councillor Cathal Foley has called for an immediate and speedy investigation into a landslide outside Tralee.

Kerry County Council is meeting this morning to assess the bogslide which occurred at Maughanknockane, Ballymacelligott where the road is now closed from Kielduff Cross to Carrigcannon Cross until further notice.

The road is currently blocked and diversions are in place. The Council is meeting to assess the incident and to organise the clean-up operation.

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Speaking last night, Cllr Foley said; “This evening’s landslide at Maugha outside Tralee needs to be investigated immediately and without delay.”

“In August 2008 a similar landslide in the same area caused the deaths of thousands of salmon and trout and it is feared that a similar level of devastation has occurred today. Boil water notices were also needed at the time and will likely be needed again,” continued the Tralee MD councillor.

“The rivers were only starting to recover from the previous catastrophic incident and now another one has occurred in the very same area. This evening’s landslide is a grim reminder that nature cannot be taken for granted and we must ensure that these important landscapes and the people that live there are given every protection possible,” he said.

News

Cllrs To Raise Several Issues Regarding Ukraine At Upcoming Council Meeting

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A NUMBER of Kerry County Councillors will move motions at next Monday’s meeting of the council regarding support for Ukraine and ideas about how refugees can be helped.

Cllr John O’Donoghue from Killarney MD will ask the Council to examine the possibility of twinning the county with a similar region of Ukraine, and furthermore contact the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities calling on them to encourage such a move on a European Level, as this may be of great help to the besieged Ukrainian people with rebuilding their society when the conflict ends.

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Tralee MD Cllr Jim Finucane will ask the Council to unilaterally condemn the invasion of Ukraine and that Kerry County Council invite the Ukrainian Ambassador to address the Council at a future date.

Cllr. Breandán Fitzgerald of Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne electoral area will ask the Council to call on the Government to make every effort to reduce the rising cost of living caused by President Vladimir Putin’s Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald of the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne electoral area will ask the Council to call on the Department of An Taoiseach and the Government to inform the public and make information easily available on all platforms of media and social media how the people of Ireland can help the Ukraine and those fleeing the war-torn regions and coming to Ireland.

Cllr. Michael O’Shea will ask the members of Kerry County Council to request that families that accommodate migrants / refugees fleeing from war persecution automatically qualify for the Household Benefit Package – electricity or gas and television licence.

Tralee MD Cllr. Cathal Foley will ask the Council to call on all Kerry companies still operating in Russia, to immediately suspend their operations there.

Tralee MD Cllr. Mikey Sheehy will call on the Council to utterly condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and that Kerry County Council offer any and all support for refugees fleeing the conflict.

News

Kerry Interagency Group Established In Response To Arrival Of Ukrainian Refugees

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AN interagency group has been established in Kerry to coordinate the response to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in the county.

The group, which held its first meeting this morning, includes a wide range of statutory, community, and voluntary agencies as well as representatives of the HSE and the Department of Social Protection.

The Kerry Community Response Forum will meet regularly to share information, coordinate responses, identify needs and target resources to refugees who have already arrived in Kerry and others expected to arrive to the county over the coming weeks.

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The interagency group will work closely to ensure that refugees receive a range of supports, interventions and advice for the foreseeable future and will ensure that this can be achieved in a targeted and efficient manner.

Included in the new group are representatives of the HSE, Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Social Protection, Kerry Education and Training Board, the community and voluntary sector, local development companies, Kerry Chambers, local transport providers, and organisations working with refugees in the county including the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre and the Tralee International Resource Centre.

News

Council Crews Making Roads Safer After Snow/Ice Overnight

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Snow on the N21 this morning. Photo: Kerry County Council Social Media Accounts

Gardaí have urged caution on roads after snow and icy conditions were reported around the county overnight.

Met Eireann has a Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning in alert until midday today and conditions were poor this morning on some roads this morning, including the Killarney to Cork road, the N21 at the Limerick county bounds and in west Kerry.

The Conor Pass is currently closed to traffic and difficult driving conditions were reported earlier on the N86 at Gleann na nGealt. Council crews are out working on making the roads safer this morning.

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News

Council To Receive Over €29.5m For Regional And Local Roads

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Funding for works from Clash Cross to Ballymullen and Quill Street to John Joe Sheehy Road has been allocated.

KERRY County Council has been granted €29,564,872 under the 2022 investment programme for regional and local roads.

This tranche of funding will be used to provide maintenance and restoration works to a number of key regional and local road networks in Kerry.

Under the programme the Dale road (R556) has been awarded €2,200,000 for specific improvements while €400,000 has been made available for the pavement and footpath widening on Quill St to John Joe Sheehy Road.

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A specific improvement grant of €500,000 will be made available for Clash Cross to Ballymullen road and €200,00o for Tralee to Fenit realignment works.

A further €1,490, 000 will be made available for the development of the Tralee Northern Relief Road.

Over €13 million will be specifically invested in the improvement and restoration of regional and local roads with a further €2 million being set aside for maintenance works.

Other projects covered by the scheme include bridge rehabilitation, climate change adaptation and safety improvement works.

An increase of 4% on last year, this year’s overall total of €597m in government funding will allow for approximately 3,100kms of roads to be maintained and 2,550kms to be strengthened across Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, Fianna Fáil Kerry TD Minister Norma Foley said: “The upkeep of our rural and regional road network is vital for the connectivity of communities in Kerry. This funding will also provide for restoration and climate proofing of rural roads which will ensure a safe driving experience for all road users.”

Fine Gael Kerry TD Brendan Griffin said; “This is vital funding to allow works to begin on a number of road improvement and safety schemes in the county”.

The breakdown of the funding is below…

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News

Council Invites Applications For Community Activities Fund

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KERRY County Council is inviting applications from community groups in Kerry for the €285,000 Community Activities Fund for 2022.

The Fund will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their non-pay running costs, for example utility bills or other non-pay operating costs including rental and lease costs, insurance bills.

The Community Activities Fund (CAF) which is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development forms parts of the Community Enhancement Programme and is open for applications until February 28.

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Today’s announcement follows the launch last week of the €750,000 Community Support Fund, which is now in its eighth year.

The call for applications to the CAF was made this week by the Chairperson of the Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cllr Norma Moriarty who visited Cumann Tithíochta na Dromada in Dromid, which has benefited from such funding in recent years.

“This is a really targeted fund in that it supports running costs for community centres and facilities which can often be very onerous for voluntary groups. The Community Department at Kerry County Council is available to assist applicants and I hope that groups will apply for this important source of funding over the coming weeks,” said Cllr Moriarty.

Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, defibrillators, canopies and training equipment.

Application forms and more information is now available on the Kerry County Council website: www.kerrycoco.ie and from the Community Department 066 7183680.

News

Listellick To Doon Road To Close On Wednesday For Four Weeks

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KERRY County Council has decided to close to public traffic the L-10582 Listellick to Doon Road from 8am on this coming Wednesday, January 26, to 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 23.

The purpose of the road closure is to facilitate the replacement of 1km of the existing water main.

This closure forms part of the overall works to facilitate the replacement of 6km of the existing water main between Listellick Cross and Tubrid Reservoir, Tubridmore.

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Diversions will be clearly signposted and local access will be provided for emergency services and local residents.

For traffic travelling to Listellick, travel south along the L6093 from Doon to Lisloose and At the T Junction with the Abbeydorney Road R556 turn left towards Listellick.

For traffic travelling from Listellick, travel south along the Abbeydorney R556 towards Tralee, at Lisloose turn right off the R556 onto the L6093 to Doon.

News

Byelaw Drafted To Restrict Dogs On Blue Flag Beaches For Periods During Summer

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Banna beach, one of Kerry’s Blue Flag beaches.

A DRAFT of the proposals for new Beach Bye-Laws for Kerry was revealed at the online meeting of Kerry County Council this morning.

Among the proposed byelaws is one which would restrict dogs on Blue Flag beaches between the hours of 11am and 7pm from June 1 to September 15.

Exception will be made for guide dogs and assistance dogs.

It is proposed horses will also be banned from Blue Flag beaches during the same hours in the same period of the summer.

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Councillors heard the proposed byelaw in relation to controlling of dogs is part of the criteria to retain Blue Flag status for Kerry’s beaches for the coming season.

This criteria in relation to dogs has been in place for many years, but the International Blue Flag jury granted a dispensation for the 2021 season.

However, there is now an increased emphasis placed on the issue and the Jury has directed all applicant local authorities to strengthen the delimitation of the Blue Flag area to exclude dogs, or to instigate a timeline outside of bathing hours when dogs can access the beach.

The Jury has clearly indicated that failure to introduce the appropriate controls for the 2022 season will jeopardise the award of flags for the forthcoming season.

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There was widespread concern among councillors in relation to both the horse and dog byelaw proposals, with most of them indicating they are opposed to restrictions on dogs and horses.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Mikey Sheehy was taken aback at the proposed byelaw relating to dogs. He said it was a “nanny state” move and said it should be resisted by Kerry County Council. He proposed the Council write to An Taisce about the issue.

However, Sinn Fein Cllr Cathal Foley said it was important to consider it was not an all year round ban and it was just for a period during the day, during the summer months and only on Blue Flag beaches.

He said if this byelaw is not passed, Kerry will not have Blue Flag beaches and asked councillors to consider the impact this would have.

Fine Gael Cllr Jim Finucane also said it was important to consider the consequences of not having Blue Flag status for Kerry beaches and not to underestimate the value of such a status.

Sinn Féin Cllr Deirdre Ferris said it was incredible to suggest people staying in mobile homes near Kerry’s Blue Flag beaches during the summer would have to lock their dogs away between 11am and 7pm while they use the beach.

She said this byelaw would result in restricting visitor numbers to the county during the summer months.

Independent Cllr Sam Locke said it was important that the public have their say on the matter and believes there is room to manoeuvre on the issue.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Johnnie Wall said  he could not support the proposed byelaws relating the dogs and horses.

There will be a public consultation process in relation to the draft byelaws, which will be made available for viewing and people can then make submissions.

After submissions have been received and considered, the byelaws will be brought before Councillors again at the May meeting of Kerry County Council.

Business/Property, News

Council And Chambers Urge Public To Give The Gift Of Kerry This Christmas

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KERRY shoppers can give the gift of Kerry this Christmas thanks to the Kerry Gift Card which can be used in dozens of Kerry businesses and services.

The Kerry Gift Card, which will allow shoppers to support local jobs and local businesses in the run-up to the Christmas, is now available to buy online and at the county’s larger post offices.

It can be redeemed at over sixty different shops, services and businesses across the county.

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The card, which is operated by One4all and supported by the Kerry Chambers Network and Kerry County Council, is part of a wider campaign to encourage people in Kerry to shop locally and spend locally at this time of enormous challenge for many people in business.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney welcomed the initiative: “Kerry Chambers and Kerry County Council have been working closely together in recent months on practical and meaningful ways in which businesses can be supported through the current economic difficulties.”

“This new Kerry Gift Card is an ideal way for people in the county to support their local shops and businesses. I would urge people to consider the card as a gift for loved ones and to use and spend the cards promptly to ensure businesses are supported now through the current challenges.”

President of Tralee Chamber, Nathan McDonnell said: “The Kerry Gift Card shows what can be achieved when we all work together. The Gift Card can be redeemed in businesses of all sizes across Tralee and around the county, which makes it the ideal staycation and shop local initiative that guarantees the money stays local.

“This Christmas we can all give the Gift of Kerry, and we would in particular encourage any employer that can afford to, to reward their staff with the Kerry Gift Card because it complies with the revenue allowances for tax free gifts.”

President of Killarney Chamber, Niall Kelleher said: “The Kerry Gift card already has hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the county signed up, and is being supported by businesses in every corner of the county.

“With such a wide range of locations to redeem the card there is huge choice for people this Christmas. We would encourage everyone to buy the card as a gift now, and encourage them to spend it over the coming weeks and months throughout the county.”

Business/Property, News

€100,000 To Develop ‘Town Centre First Plan’ For Kerry Town

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Church Street, Milltown.

KERRY County Council will receive €100,000 to develop the first ever Town Centre First Plan in the county for Milltown.

As part of the initiative, the Council will be provided with the funding to support the development of its own unique master plan for Milltown.

These Plans will be central to the delivery of the Town Centre First Policy at a local level as they will chart the path forward for the revitalisation of each town as a desirable place to live, work, socialise and operate a business.

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It is envisaged that the Plans will cover the importance of place-making, town centre living, the social and economic purpose of the town, and respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation.

The Plans will also be central to addressing vacancy and dereliction in Milltown.

The process of a creating the Plan is a collaborative exercise, supported by Kerry County Council, that will involve stakeholders such as community representatives, local residents and business people, and other stakeholders as part of a Town Team.

This initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious five year strategy designed to reimagine and revitalise Rural Ireland.

It is also linked to the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ strategy and the forthcoming ‘Town Centre First Policy’, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Welcoming the news, Kerry Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Education Norma Foley said: “This significant funding for Milltown will facilitate the development of a plan to support the future potential and advancement of this growing and vibrant town.”

Fine Gael Kerry Deputy Brendan Griffin also welcomed the news saying; “Milltown has experienced incredible growth over the last 20 years and this funding will provide a master plan to develop, modernise and revitalise the town centre ”

News

Ten Jobs To Be Created In Kerry County Council

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TEN new posts are to be created in Kerry County Council to assist with the delivery of their social housing targets.

Under the ‘Housing For All’ plan announced by the Government, Kerry County Council is aiming to provide over 1,400 homes over the next five years.

Housing for All commits to strengthening the capacity of Local Authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects.

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The plan acknowledges that this requires the resourcing of housing delivery teams and the posts being announced today include a wide range of positions from engineers to quantity surveyors and architects with provision also made for the necessary administrative resources.

To assist with the delivery of their social housing targets ten new posts have now been approved for Kerry County Council.

Welcoming the announcement,  Kerry TD and Minister for Education, Norma Foley said: “I welcome this announcement by my Cabinet colleague Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien. Housing is a key priority for Government and these new posts are an endorsement of the excellent work carried out by Kerry County Council and a deserved recognition of their continued commitment to providing social housing to all local communities across Kerry.”

News

Children’s Views Sought On Council’s Play And Leisure Policy

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KERRY County Council is currently working with Playboard NI  to develop a new Kerry Play and Leisure Policy for the county.

The development of this play and leisure policy is important as it will help to guide the provision of free, usable, public, outdoor play and recreation areas in County Kerry for children and young people aged up to 18 years.

In developing this policy, Kerry County Council wishes to find out the views of children, young people, parents and carers, and community groups with regards to the play and leisure needs and opportunities across the county in urban and rural settings.

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The Council is inviting members of the public to visit its website https://www.kerrycoco.ie/have-your-say-in-the-kerry-play-and-leisure-policy/ to complete the surveys and drawing task.

There are three simple Survey Monkey questionnaires designed specifically for young people (aged 13-18 years), parents/carers and community groups.

The closing date for the receipt of submissions is December 6. Children aged 12 years and younger are invited to complete a drawing task on A4 paper accompanied by a short piece of text where possible based on the statement “When I Play Outside I Like To… (see details below)

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Council Invites Applications For Streetscape Enhancement Scheme

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Main St. Castleisland.

KERRY County Council is inviting applications for funding under the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme which was recently announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Under the pilot scheme, as part of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, the Council is inviting applications from business and property owners at the following locations:

• Ballybunion – Main Street
• Castleisland – Main Street
• Killorglin – Langford Street (Part of) and Lower Bridge Street to the Square

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The scheme is open to commercial/residential or vacant buildings in the selected streets which have been chosen by the local authority as pilot areas to avail of the funding.

Funding is available for works including replacement of existing shopfronts with traditional or contemporary designs, replacement of signage, decluttering and other enhancements to the exterior of buildings.

The grant scheme is at 70% grant rate in the case of an individual property or 80% where there are three or more adjacent properties to a maximum overall grant to any one building of €8,000. Applications and written submissions must be submitted by 7 September.

Further information on the scheme is now available on www.kerrycococo.ie

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News

Water Supply Problems To Continue On Wednesday After Another Mains Burst

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THERE are further problems with the water supply to the greater Tralee area and beyond this evening.

Kerry County Council has posted on their social media page that “a further water mains break is impacting the Central Regional Water Supply Scheme tonight and will cause disruption to supply throughout Wednesday while repairs are completed.

Impacted areas include Tralee, Killarney, Castleisland, Farranfore-Firies, Ballymacelligott and surrounding rural areas. Irish Water and Kerry County Council will provide further updates as the supply is restored. We appreciate your patience.”

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Cllr Mikey Sheehy received an update tonight from Kerry County Council water services that a decision has been made to immediately shut off water across the central regional scheme to ensure that the remaining water can assist with restoring supply to customers as soon as repairs to the main are effected. Crews are onsite presently commencing the repair.

The water supply lines to the hospitals in Tralee and Killarney will be kept operational and the Council are making direct contact to all nursing homes affected and offering assistance as required should they need storage tanks topped up.

They are arranging relevant public messaging to advise of the necessary water shut offs in the system which will affect a large number of people.

News

Curtailment Of Water Supplies In Tralee Until Later Tonight

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KERRY County Council are advising the public that due to a burst on a trunk main on the Central Regional Water Supply Scheme yesterday evening, there will be curtailment of water supplies in parts of Tralee Town and the greater Tralee area until later tonight.

The burst water main has caused water supply disruption to homes and businesses in the greater Castleisland area, Firies, Farranfore, Castlemaine, Ballymacelligott and parts of Tralee. Irish Water and Kerry County Council are currently working to resolve the issue.

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Council Invites Public To Sign Up For Free Alerts Service

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KERRY County Council is inviting members of the public to sign up for a free alerts service which enables subscribers to receive important messages, updates and alerts from the local authority.

The council has partnered with the MapAlerter.ie service to provide targeted messages to citizens which can be received by text message or email and which ensures that citizens are informed about urgent issues like weather alerts or road closures and updates on public consultations, planning applications and community events.

MapAlerter is currently used as a communications tool by more than half of all local authorities around Ireland and facilitates the speedy and direct transmission of messages by SMS (text) and email and via the MapAlerter app.

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Subscribers can log onto the website or the app and choose to receive an update, for example, when there is a weather warning in place for Kerry, to receive an alert about a flood risk in their area or when new planning applications are made in their locality.

Welcoming the initiative, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney said: “Communicating with our citizens in a prompt and efficient way is vital for the local authority. While updates on our website and on social media are effective to a degree, this service ensures that a message lands directly to a mobile phone in real time and ensures that we can get updates directly to the people of the county promptly and directly.

“The service has the capacity to greatly enhance Kerry County Council’s communication with the general public and will complement existing communications through the media and social media,” he said.

“I would encourage everyone to log onto MapAlerter.ie/Kerry and to sign up for updates. It is a free service which has enormous benefits for subscribers who want to be kept updated and informed,” said Cllr Moloney.

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‘Your Council Day’ To Take Place This Week

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THE work of Kerry County Council employees and the many services provided by the local authority will be highlighted as part of the nationwide online ‘Your Council Day’ initiative on this Thursday, July 1.

Across social media and using the hashtags #YourCouncilDay and #DoLásaChomhairle, the initiative will showcase the work of Kerry County Council staff who make a difference to the lives of the people in their community and particularly the work that has been done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local authorities will also provide a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a typical day in the council and highlight many of the services councils and their employees provide.

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The day will also feature the launch of a new website called www.localgovernmentjobs.ie which will provide details of job opportunities in the local government sector across the country.

It will be a central hub of information about local authority careers, recruitment processes and employment benefits.

The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney said: “Kerry County Council is playing a key role in the recovery of our county post-COVID. From supporting businesses to getting back on their feet by administering enterprise grants and facilitating outdoor dining, to providing safe spaces like parks and pedestrianised zones for people to enjoy, Kerry County Council has risen to the challenge of leading the local response to this phase of the pandemic.”

“Our staff have been at the heart of that response and on “Your Council Day” we pay tribute to the innovative ways they serve their community. I would encourage social media users to engage with us online on Thursday,” said Cllr Moloney.

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New Cathaoirleach Of Kerry County Council Elected At Austin Stack Park

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Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Jimmy Moloney.

JIMMY Moloney from Listowel has been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at a historic meeting of the local authority which was held at Austin Stack Park in Tralee.

To facilitate a physical gathering of elected councillors and management and to ensure adherence to public health guidelines, the main stand at Austin Stack Park was used for the meeting to elect a new Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach for the coming year.

Cllr Moloney has been a Fianna Fáil county councillor since 2014 and a former member of Listowel Town Council.

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He is an active member of Listowel Tidy Towns and many other community and sporting organisations. His grandfather, Dan Moloney, was a TD for Kerry North between 1957 and 1961 and he later served as a member of Seanad Éireann.

The meeting was held in the main stand at Austin Stack Park this morning. Photo: Domnick Walsh

Fianna Fáil councillor, Michael Cahill from Rossbeigh, a member of the local authority since 1990, and current Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County Council.

“It is an honour to have been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council today at the iconic Austin Stack GAA Grounds in Tralee,” said Cathaoirleach Moloney.

“The large open-air setting allowed us to meet safely and to ensure that the public health guidelines could be adhered to. I want to thank the Kerry County Board of the GAA for facilitating the meeting.

“It is also a historic meeting given the political significance of Austin Stack in the history of our county. He represented Kerry in Dáil Éireann between 1919 and 1927 and was the first Kerry person to serve in government, as Minister for Home Affairs from November 1919 to January 1922,” said Cllr Moloney.

The chairman of the Kerry County Board of the GAA, Tim Murphy said: “The GAA in Kerry is delighted to host the annual meeting of Kerry County Council today especially given the long and close connection between our organisation and the local authority.”

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Gardaí And Council Ask People To Park Responsibly At Kerry Beaches

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KERRY Gardaí, Kerry County Council and the HSE are appealing for motorists to park legally and responsibly when visiting public beaches and amenity areas.

Last week there were parking issues at beaches and amenity areas throughout Kerry in which vehicles were blocked in and roadways obstructed.

In many instances, including at Banna last weekend, this caused huge inconvenience to people and can create a dangerous situation when emergency vehicles cannot have access to areas.

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Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said; “After all being cooped up in our homes for so long, it is only natural that we are all going to head for our beaches and tourist spots.

“However, last weekend we had a lot of issues with parking. We must all park our cars legally and safely. Parking irresponsibly can force wheelchair users and people pushing buggies onto the road; which puts them in harm’s way.

“An Garda Síochána will be policing our beaches and amenity area to ensure people are parking legally. On the spot fines will be issued in relation to any illegal and dangerous parking.”

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen has asked members of the public to park safely and sensibly when enjoying the parks and beaches around the County over the weekend.

With more visitors coming to Kerry to enjoy the fantastic scenery, Blue Flag beaches and amenities on offer, the Cathaoirleach has pointed to the necessity to keep access clear.

“We are delighted that people feel comfortable that they can safely visit Kerry, and it is a testament to the hard work and our Safe Destination Programme, which is promoting Kerry as a safe destination,” he said.

“However, at all times, it is critical for people to park properly and ensure that emergency services have clear access to our beaches, parks and public places. We look forward to enjoying our days out with family and friends, but if something should happen that requires a 999 call, it is vital that the emergency services can have speedy access to deal with these events.”

The Cathaoirleach also asked that everybody enjoying the outdoors bring their rubbish home with them. “We have a clean, green county, and our beaches and outdoor areas are the envy of many counties. We are looking to keep it that way and everybody can play their part by taking their litter home.”

Dr Anne Sheahan said “This weekend, I remind people to continue to look after their health and the health of people around them. Remember to keep a distance from others where possible, and to wear a face mask in crowded settings (both indoors and outdoors). We all need to remember that we are seeing evidence that the new variants of Covid-19 are even more contagious, and we have seen cases transmitted outdoors.”

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Virtual Appreciation Event To Recognise Work Of Community Response Forum

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Cathaoirleach Patrick Connor Scarteen.

CATHAOIRLEACH of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen is hosting a virtual appreciation event for the groups involved in the Community Response Forum, on Thursday, 17th June at 7pm.

The online event, which will be available on the Kerry County Council homepage, www.kerrycoco.ie, Council Facebook page and Kerry County Council YouTube Channel, aims to recognise the efforts of everybody involved in the Community Forum since it began in March 2020.

The Kerry Community Response Forum is a multi-agency group of statutory and voluntary organisations which has been coordinating the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.

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It includes representatives of Kerry County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, local development companies, Kerry Volunteer Centre, Kerry GAA, Local Link Kerry, Kerry Public Participation Network, Kerry Age Friendly Network, Citizens Information, St Vincent de Paul, Alone, Irish Red Cross, Kerry Civil Defence and other local voluntary groups.

“The Kerry Community Response Forum was one of the first to be established in the country, in recognition of the need to support vulnerable individuals and households in the county,” Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen outlined.

“It provided a single point of contact for vulnerable people and those in need of assistance, and through the Community Response Forum, they were put in touch with local community groups and organisations to help them out.

“We are now seeing restrictions ease and society re-open, and hopefully matters will continue to improve over the coming months. This is why we feel it is the right time to recognise the huge level of effort by the organisers, the groups and those staffing the phones.”

The Virtual Appreciation night will outline the work of the various groups, with the Municipal District Cathaoirligh and other guests highlighting what went on behind the scenes to ensure that every call was answered and that nobody was left behind.

“The work that our voluntary and community groups do around the county is amazing, and the Forum was a way to ensure that there was a formal structure behind it,” Director of Community Development with Kerry County Council, Michael Scannell explained.

“This ensured the governance and support for all groups was in place. For years we have been highlighting the work of the various groups around the county and when the pandemic came, it was clear that they would continue doing the positive work within their communities. Our role was to provide support and back-up and now we want to thank them for their efforts.

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New Campaign Aims To Stamp Out Litter On Kerry’s Beaches

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Pictured at the launch of the new campaign ‘Give Your Litter A Lift’ were Patrick Connor-Scarteen Mayor of Kerry and Ger O’Brien of the Kerry County Council. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

KERRY County Council is encouraging anyone visiting the county’s beaches this summer to ‘Give Your Litter A Lift’ and to ensure that coastal areas remain free of litter over the coming months.

The local authority will be increasing the number of litter bins available at beaches across the county but is also appealing to all beach users to act responsibility by taking litter home.

New signage promoting the anti-litter message has been erected at all Blue Flag beaches this week.

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Kerry was recently awarded a total of 14 prestigious Blue Flags in recognition of the quality of beaches in the county and the local authority is appealing to play their part in retaining those honours.

The Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen said everyone has a role to play: “We hope that this summer everyone can enjoy our beach environments in a safe way and that visitors to these beautiful amenities will leave nothing behind but their footprints.”

“Kerry County Council is playing its part by providing extra bins to dispose of litter and there will also be extended opening hours at public conveniences at our beaches. So, the message is simple, when you are heading home: give your litter a lift,” he said.

Director of Environment with Kerry County Council, John Breen said that the local authority recognises the need to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beach environment in Kerry as the country focuses on outdoor activities over the coming months.

“We have so much to offer our visitors and those who live in the county. So, we are appealing to everyone to take litter home, to take away dog foul and dispose of it properly, and to avoid anything that would damage our beaches. We have already stepped out our monitoring of beaches and a significant number of fines have issued to, for example, so-called boy racers, but our first approach always remains encouragement of good behaviour in the first place, so that everyone can enjoy a safe beach experience,” said Mr Breen.

Meanwhile, 41 lifeguards, who are all fully trained and certified by Water Safety Ireland, took up their duties at Blue Flag beaches at the weekend. They are rostered for all beaches between noon and 7pm on weekends and 11am and 7pm from Monday to Friday and will be on duty until the end of the bathing season (on the second weekend of September).

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Road In Killarney National Park To Be Closed For Two Months

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Road repairs and improvements works on the Old Kenmare Road in Killarney National Park are due to commence on Monday next and will involve a €382,000 investment in the reconstruction of the road.

The Old Kenmare road (locally known as the Tanks Road) from the junction of the N71 to the upper car park at Torc, will be closed to all vehicular, cycling and pedestrian access from Monday 17th May to Monday 12th July to facilitate the repairs.

The project forms part of the Killarney Municipal District Schedule of Works Programme for 2021 and is funded via an Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to the value of €250,000 and a Local Improvement Scheme investment to the value of €132,000.

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Kerry County Council in conjunction with Killarney National Park request the public not to park at the junction of the Old Kenmare road and the N71 as this will impede construction traffic entering and exiting the site.

For those wishing to access the boardwalk on Torc Mountain they can do so by parking at the car parks at Springfield or at Torc Waterfall, and then use the existing trail network to access the Old Kenmare Road.

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Over €1.2m For Council To Adapt Housing For Elderly And People With Disabilities

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KERRY County Council has €1,268,652 in funding through the Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works in Lieu of the Social Housing Scheme (IWILs).

Under both schemes, Government funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

This year Kerry County Council is awarded €1,141,787 in grant funding, €126,865 is then matched by the local authority.

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In total, Kerry County Council can access funds of €1,268,652 to carry out work for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability.

These works can include the installation of grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms and the conversion of downstairs bedrooms.

The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding. The IWILs allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for social housing.

It also provides grants for those who are otherwise eligible for social housing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that property.

Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley welcomed the announcement saying; “I welcome this funding that will positively enhance the quality of life and housing conditions for older people and those living with disabilities.”

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Updated Programme To Ensure Kerry Remains A Safe Destination

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Con O’Sullivan, Campus Manager Kerry ETB Monavalley Tralee, Pat O’Leary, Chairman, Kerry Federation Tourism Industry, Niamh O’Sullivan, Senior Executive Officer with Kerry County Council and Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr. Patrick ‘Scarteen’ O’Connor launching the Safe Destination Programme 2021. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

KERRY is seeking to retain its position as one of the safest destinations in Ireland to visit as it rolls out its new updated Safe Destination Programme for 2021 to coincide with the gradual reopening of society and the economy.

Kerry County Council and its tourism and training partners are launching an updated version of the successful Safe Destination Programme which proved so successful last summer in keeping the county safe.

It is envisaged that over 250 businesses and over 2,000 hospitality staff again undertake the specially devised training course from the Kerry Education and Training Board.

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The Safe Destination Programme 2021 builds on the pioneering work done in 2020 and aims to make Kerry the safest and cleanest of destinations to visit and stay in as the county’s hospitality and retail businesses reopen.

Business premises whose staff have completed the bespoke Kerry ETB training course will receive the ‘Safe Destination 2021’ badge and also qualify for the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter.

The multifaceted Safe Destination Programme which is supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation will ensure that those who visit and holiday in Kerry again can do so in the knowledge that it is a safe place to visit and stay.

Kerry was Ireland’s most popular home holiday destination in 2020 and is seeking to repeat that feat this year. The Safe Destination Programme includes:

• A bespoke training programme for tourism and retail staff
• A safer spaces programme (streets, shops and public spaces)
• Preparing communities to welcome tourists back to the county
• A tourism marketing campaign to promote staycations

The bespoke training programme for staff in the tourism and retail industries in the county will be rolled out by the Business Supports Unit of Kerry College (Kerry ETB’s Further Education and Training College) over the next few weeks in the lead up to a more expansive re-opening in early June.

The programme will be underpinned by a marketing campaign to promote Kerry – to the domestic and staycation market – as travel restrictions are relaxed over the coming weeks.

The marketing programme is being developed by the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation with support of NEWKD and SKDP under the LEADER programme with the support of Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell said that Kerry has been preparing for the reopening for several months while ensuring that the necessary safeguards for locals and visitors are in place as the vaccine programme is rolled out.

“With the support of all the partners in the tourism and the hospitality industry, we can ensure that the re-opening of the tourism sector locally is managed in a safe and effective way so that people can begin again to enjoy the attractions and hospitality the county has to offer while adhering closely to the prevailing public health advice and guidelines,’ she said.

Chairman of the Kerry Education and Training Board, Cllr Jim Finucane said that having staff prepared for the reopening of hotels, restaurants and bars in the coming weeks is critically important.

Colm McEvoy, CEO of Kerry ETB stated: “Kerry College are working closely with Kerry County Council to provide the necessary training which staff will need to work in the current environment. This training will deal with practical steps which staff and businesses will need, to ensure social distancing and other important health guidelines are adhered to.  Kerry College is pleased to be involved Safe Destination Programme 2021, playing an active role in supporting the hospitality and retail businesses as they re-open.”