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No more library fines on overdue books

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Libraries across Kerry will no longer be imposing fines on overdue books - and all outstanding fines on members’ accounts will also be removed.

This is in line with all public libraries nationally and is one of the key aims of the new public library strategy ‘Our Public Library 2022: inspiring, connecting and empowering communities’, which was launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, in June 2018.

The strategy states ‘The library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges. Library charges have been shown to have a detrimental effect on library use by children and the disadvantaged. However, there is little evidence to show they ensure timely returns – rather they may actually dissuade members and users from returning overdue items’.

However, no fines does not mean no responsibility. Library borrowers will continue to receive reminders and overdue emails to prompt them to return items to the library. Items should be returned as normal on or before their due date to allow them to be borrowed by other library users.

Items can still be renewed online, by phone or in person at a local library. Failure to return or renew items will result in your card being blocked from taking out or renewing any further items, including e-books and e-audio books. Borrowing privileges cannot be restored until an overdue item is returned.

The elimination of overdue fines is another way for libraries to encourage people who might not regularly use the library to experience what they have to offer. Members of the public are encouraged to return undamaged, overdue library items to their local libraries. There will be no fines to pay from January 1 2019, and Kerry Library would be happy to reactivate your library membership for you to begin using your local library again.

Previously paid overdue fines will not be refunded. Also note that fines cannot be cleared from an account until an overdue item is returned to the library.

Kerry Library provides a wide range of free services, including adult and children’s book lending, e-books and audio books, online language and training courses, classroom novels for schools and a local history and archives service. All details are available at www.kerrylibrary.ie.

 

 

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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