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Sexual acts, binge drinking, drug use in Killarney laneway – residents say they’ve had enough

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ANTI-SOCIAL: Local resident Robert Biskup is fed up with anti-social behaviour on Pawn Office Lane in the heart of the town. Photo: Sean Moriarty

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By Sean Moriarty

Sexual acts, binge drinking, drug use, acts of violence and vandalism – are just some of what young children are witnessing in one Killarney laneway – a local property owner has claimed this week.

Children living in Pawn Office Lane just off High Street, who are living there due to the housing crisis - are regularly witnessing anti-social behaviour and playing alongside 660 litre bins - which are stinking in the summer heat.

Nearly two decades ago the laneway, which was historically used for bins, was converted into apartment blocks.

Local hotel worker and resident Robert Biskup, who is married with two children aged seven and nine, says it’s disgusting to live in such a place as his family have regularly witnessed lewd behaviour on the street, especially Friday and Saturday nights.

“Drunk people have peed up against windows at night in front of my kids,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is not a good place. The people throw food and the birds empty the bins and take rubbish everywhere.”

When he has to leave in the early hours of the morning for work, he said that rubbish is every-where.

“The garbage is full in the street,” he added. “It is very messy. Sometimes it is okay as I take my children to the park to play, but that is not possible every day and they have to play in this.”

A visit by Killarney Advertiser staff yesterday (Thursday) revealed broken glass and over-flowing bins despite an agreement, according to local landlords, that the street is to be cleaned three times a day.

New by-laws state that bins are not allowed in the street yet there are no alternative storage locations in the lane – where the children play.

“The laneways are attracting anti-social behaviour which at times is filtering into the main streets,” local landlord Ann McEnery said.

“Young children are exposed to this and as they reach their teens the situation is going to get a lot worse.”

Kerry County Council who are aware of the issues said that they are happy to discuss concerns with residents.

“This is a private residential area,” a Council spokesperson said.

“The volume of bins is an issue in many parts of the town and something the Council is aware of. The Council continues to liaise on an ongoing basis with residents on matters of mutual concern and is happy to discuss any matters with residents. Anti-social behaviour is a matter for An Garda Síochána.”

 

 

 

 

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Rewild Festival organisers reveal expanded line-up for 2026 event

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Organisers of the Rewild Festival have unveiled the official details for the 2026 event, which returns to the old Dunloe Golf Course on July 11.

Building on the success of previous years, the festival has expanded its schedule to include early Friday camping on 10 July, transforming the event into a multi-day experience.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with storytelling, candlelit tales, fireside sessions, and two on-site saunas.

The event will also feature an Irish festival first, offering attendees the opportunity to experience being buried in mycelium.

Saturday features 15 live acts across the main stages, all-day DJ sets, and over 20 wellness workshops covering sound baths and breathwork.

The day’s activities also include a céilí on the hill, market stalls, educational talks, children’s entertainment, fire shows, and art installations.

Live music performances will continue through Sunday, 12 July until lunchtime.

A wide selection of regional food and drink vendors will be available on-site, featuring local businesses such as Muckross Ice Cream, The Black Sheep, and Pigs Lane.

The festival bar will serve draught beers from Killarney’s newest brewery, Loinnir Brewing.

Additionally, organisers have confirmed that if the Kerry GAA team plays during the weekend, the match will be broadcast live on a big screen.

Festival co-founder Kevin Leahy noted that the crew has thoroughly enjoyed watching the community grow.

“We’ve sold over 70% of tickets and expect to sell out, so we won’t be selling tickets on the gate,” Leahy stated.

Information and remaining tickets are available on the official website at www.rewildfestival.ie, and physical tickets can be purchased directly at the Black Sheep Hostel.

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Lions Club Donates €11.5k to Community groups and schools

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Killarney Lions Club has donated €11,500 to seven community groups and schools in the Killarney area and Childhood Cancer in Cork.

The money was raised through a variety of Lions activities and events during the year, in particular the Club’s Annual Golf Classic and Scrap Metal Collection.

The local organisations that received donations were Kerry Hospice Foundation, Irish Kidney Association, Kerry Cancer Support Group, Killarney Cardiac Response Unit, Kerry Mental Health Association, Killarney Community College and St. Brendan’s College Killarney.

“We had great support for our Golf Classic this year, with 26 teams taking part at Killarney Golf Club on April 24th, and the Scrap Metal Collection was supported by MF Quirke’s Sand and Gravel, builder Keith McMahon and our partners KWD Recycling” said Jason Higgins, President, Killarney Lions Club. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity we are now able to make these donations to a variety of organisations in the local area, and we hope it will help them to continue providing great support and services in our community.”

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