News
KDYS plan new state-of-the-art facility
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By Michelle Crean
Building works for 47 bed spaces, state-of-the-art workshop rooms and meeting spaces began in Killarney on Tuesday – at KDYS eurOg Killarney – the only European Youth Centre in Ireland.
The move is part of a plan to cater for groups travelling from all over the county, country and internationally, and will include an onsite coffee shop which will also be open to the public at the centre located alongside the Friary in Killarney.
‘eurOg’ Youth Centre in the town is the flagship centre of the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service and was awarded the European Youth Centre Quality Label in 2017 by the Council of Europe, becoming the only Youth Centre in Ireland to receive this accolade, and one of only 13 Youth Centres in total out of the 47 member countries of the Council of Europe.
This new wing will create exciting new opportunities for young people to come and stay in Killarney from all over the county, all over Ireland and internationally, CEO Tim O’Donoghue explained.
“We are delighted to expand our service and to introduce this facility as it will connect many young people locally to opportunities across Europe and for continental based young Europeans to come here,” he said.
“It will also create possibilities for young people in youth clubs around the county to come and enjoy Killarney as part of their annual programme.”
In late October, the Council of Europe expert team will visit Killarney to reassess the centre with a view to renewing the European Youth Centre Quality Label for a further five years.
“The Council of Europe are very impressed with the work of the KDYS and recognise the powerful community support that ensures that our young people benefit from a high quality youth service in their area,” he said.
“We are very proud that a Kerry organisation is leading out these high standards on a national and international stage. The development of ‘STAY@eurOg’ will take around two months and this will see us into a new and exciting programme in 2020.”
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:
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