News
Michael Healy-Rae turns spotlight on suicide issue
K
KERRY TD Michael Healy-Rae has been praised by viewers for his “kindness” and “decency” after he told a heart-breaking story about a constituent who died by suicide following financial difficulties.
Deputy Healy-Rae was a guest on The Tommy Tiernan Show on Wednesday in which the comedian interviews surprise guests.
And viewers took to social media to highlight how impressed they were about the Independent TD’s forthright views on mental health.
The Kilgarvan politician related a story about a man who was experiencing financial difficulties and who went on to take his own life. "It was probably one of the biggest mistakes I ever made, and the mistake I made at the time I wouldn't make again because I'd be smart enough now to hear what I was being told," he said.
He said an elderly constituent had opened a bogus non-residential account on the advice of a financial institution which eventually came to the attention of Revenue. Deputy Healy-Rae managed to negotiate a reduction in the amount the man had to pay back, but said the man still "had to pay out virtually every penny that he had".
"He was an elderly man, worked hard all his life and he came on the phone and he said, 'Michael you helped me every way in the world but can we do any more about this money?'
"I said, 'Oh God, no' and this is where I blame myself and no one else, I said to him, in other words I told him we were at the end of the line, I said, 'No, it'll have to be paid' and I said, 'You'll have to pay it.'
"Right away he said, 'No, no, no I won't pay it. No, I won't.' And I was driving along and you see I helped him but it didn't register. I didn't get it.”
Mr Healy-Rae found out the man had taken his own life following their phone call.
"You could imagine how I felt," he told Tiernan, adding that he then joined the committee of a psychiatric service.
He said many people living in rural areas might not have people to talk to, despite the best efforts of their family, if they have family.
Above: Tommy Tiernan and Deputy Michael Healy-Rae on The Tommy Tiernan Show.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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