News
Kilcummin school faces department investigation
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By Sean Moriarty
The Department of Education and Skills has confirmed that its Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU) is investigating financial matters at Kilcummin National School.
The FSSU helps schools comply with the law in terms of transparency, accountability and financial responsibility.
“At the Department’s request, the Financial Support Services Unit has undertaken an examination of the school’s accounts and a report on the matter is currently being considered by the Department,” a Department of Education and Skills spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser. “Managers appointed by the patron are in place to manage the school.The term of office for Boards of Management/Managers will changeover on December 1, 2019.”
The Department did not say why it was producing such a report, but the school falls under the patronage of the Bishop of Kerry. Currently there is no Board of Management at the school and its being run by a manager and a co-manager appointed by the Department. While there is nothing wrong with a school having an appointed manager it is unusual and the Diocese of Kerry says it strives to have management boards in all its schools. This is not the case at Kilcummin.
“In relation to all the primary schools under the patronage of the diocese, the aim is to have an active Board of Management in place. The practice of the appointment of a single manager to a school has been used occasionally in times of transition from one Board to the next,” Mary Fagan, Director of Communications of the Diocese of Kerry, told the Killarney Advertiser.
“This is the case in relation to Scoil Naisiunta Cill Cuimin. A single manager was appointed by the Minister of Education and Skills to this school in 2016. A co-manager was appointed in 2019. It is envisaged that a new Board of Management will be appointed by December 1along with all other schools.”
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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