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Town engineer: No short-term solution to traffic crisis

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 Just four out of 33 of the recommended traffic measures have been completed since 2016

Killarney’s Town Engineer, John Ahern, has stated in no uncertain terms that there is no short-term solution to the town’s crippling traffic problem. The situation at Port Road and Mission Road has been particularly dire but Mr Ahern said the only way of solving that issue was by building an outer link road onto the Muckross Road. “Until that is delivered you’re always going to have congestion,” he said. “Anything we do in town in just chipping away at the edges.”

During the recession, the government shelved plans for a new Killarney bypass for at least 10-12 years, which means locals and visitors could be set for another decade or more of traffic issues.

Killarney’s heavy traffic has been a major concern for many years but the situation this summer was particularly dire with many locals claiming that it was the worst the town has ever seen.

The TEIR 1 report indicated that tourist numbers are expected to increase 30% by 2025, which means the situation is likely to get far worse before it gets better.

Mr Ahern, who was speaking at a Killarney Municipal District meeting on Wednesday, also said that the large congregation of schools in the New Road area of town was a significant contributing factor.

“The community is growing so there’s an increased number of pupils going to these schools,” he said. “The vast majority of them are travelling by car and they’re all hitting at the one peak time. You’re going to get congestion there and there’s no easy or obvious answer to that, unless you bring in some sort of a bus system. I do believe that we should sit down with the principals of the schools so that we can begin the process of consultation.”

Apparently children aren’t walking to school because their bags are too heavy, Mr Ahern added.

Meanwhile, with regards to the Killarney Traffic Management Plan which was released in 2016, it was revealed that just four of the 33 recommended measures outlined in the report have been officially completed.

17 of the 33 measures were categorised as short-term two years ago but many of these projects remain unfinished.

“A lot of the short-term things should be done,” Cllr Niall Kelleher said. “The link roads need to be completed and we should ensure that the objectives in this plan are brought to fruition and completed as soon as possible. I believe we could be making better progress.”

Town Manager Angela McAllen stressed that there’s a lot of work done but “a lot more needs to be done”.

“We have to take a realistic approach to it,” she said. “We have the deputation for the very important link road, works are progressing in relation to the Haha, works are progressing in relation to Bohreen-na-Goun (next to Dunnes Stores)… Where you have purchases of land involved, it does involve a medium to long-term view. While we all want the solutions now, the reality is that we can’t have all the solutions now.”

What do you think? What steps can be taken to alleviate Killarney’s traffic problem? Let us know via newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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