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Kerry renters ‘paying Galway prices but receiving Leitrim rent support’

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Deputy John Brassil.

HUNDREDS of people in Kerry risk losing their home unless their rent allowance payments are increased, it has been claimed.

Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil has said that he will continue to fight for an increase in the rent allowance bands for Kerry. He noted that Kerry renters are "paying Galway prices but receiving Leitrim rent support" and pledged to raise the issue in the Dáil. “Hundreds of people in Kerry are at risk of losing their home in Kerry unless their rent allowance payments are increased to keep pace with rocketing rent levels in the county," said Deputy Brassil.

“Despite the measly increase earlier in the year, rent allowance recipients are under severe pressure to pay their rents.”

The Kerry TD added: "Of course, I accept that the best, and most sustainable way of slowing rental prices is through building more housing stock, but that takes time, and the Government have been painfully slow over the past five years in building social housing.”

When the rent allowance limits were increased earlier this year, they were increased by only€10 to €20, whereas places like Cavan or Roscommon saw rises in excess of €40 and €50, according to Deputy Brassil.

“While Kerry is similar to places like Cavan and Roscommon in terms of its peripheral location, renters in Kerry must compete with the strong tourist market which keeps rent levels higher than normal," he said.

“Average rents in Kerry are now at €618 which matches what people are paying in places like Galway. Our rent allowance payments need to match the reality of the situation on the ground.”

“In previous correspondence with the Government on this matter, I was told that Community Welfare Officers would have discretion in setting amended rent allowance rates. However, in practice, this isn’t taking place to the extent that is required to support renters in Kerry, especially ij the main urban areas.

“This week. I will try and raise the need for rent allowance increases in the Dáil, and have the Minister attend and explain to me why he thinks Kerry renters don’t need more support.”

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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