There is renewed optimism about healthcare services in Kerry following confirmation that the new Killarney Community Hospital is on track to open early next year.

The update was provided after Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill sought clarity from the HSE on bed capacity and timelines for the facility.

The new hospital, located on the Bypass Road, contains 130 single en-suite bedrooms.

According to the HSE, the building will be handed over this month, with occupation expected in the first quarter of 2026.

This represents a significant increase on the 101 beds currently available at St Columbanus’ Hospital.

Deputy Cahill said the progress is welcome and long overdue, noting that the expanded bed capacity will benefit communities across the county.

He added that he has continued to raise the issue in the Dáil and through the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee

Well known Musician and Fundraiser Derry Healy along with friends, will once again hit the trails of Kerry, to raise money for a fantastic cause.

This time you are cordially invited to trek the Old Kenmare Road with the one and only Sam Maguire on December 27, departing Torc Upper Car Park, at 9.30 am .

This year the chosen charity is Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, inspired by Killarney Man James Cahill, who says he owes his life to Kerry Mountain Rescue Team following an horrendous fall on Bothar na Gíge (the Zig Zags) while descending Carrauntoohil in July 2016.

James is so grateful for the courageous team for saving his life and wants to give back to the team, while having some fun along the way.

Derry and his crew will carry the coveted piece of silver along the 17 km trek, with a few stops to play music and have “a set dance around Sam”.

One definite stop is the newly restored sheep shed, or locally called ‘the red rose cafe’ at Eskamucky Glen.
The estimated time of trekking is approximately 6 hrs. For those who just want to walk as far as Derrycunnihy Church – own transport must be organised. A return bus from Kenmare to Killarney will be organised.

James had been hiking with his friend John Joe Culloty and took a heavy fall after weather conditions deteriorated on the mountain range. He knew his situation was grave when the ICG helicopter Rescue 115 was overhead. James was treated at the scene by KMRT and airlifted to Kerry University Hospital by ICG Rescue 115. James sustained horrific injuries that left him paralysed on his right side. That followed several months of treatment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, with constant support from his wife Carmel and their families.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team is entirely voluntary, with 35 active team members from all walks of life,
The operation covers the entire SW of the country, a registered charity at least 50% of their funding is raised through private donations and the Team’s own fundraising efforts.

The team train regularly in a range of disciplines such as casualty care, technical rope-work: horizontal and vertical stretcher lowers, cableways, strop rescues, hoists, helicopter winching, search management, navigation, radio communication and 4WD techniques.

All team members are qualified to Advanced Rescue Emergency Care (REC) First Aid Level, and first Aid training is undertaken on a regular basis to ensure that the skills of each team member are continually maintained, and the most up-to-date developments in emergency medicine are utilised.

For further information contact: Derry Healy: 087 2707899 or James Cahill: 087 6473291.