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Killarney students join worldwide climate change rally
K
Killarney students join worldwide climate change rally
By Sean Moriarty
Students from the three secondary schools in Killarney joined millions of their peers worldwide when they took part in what has been described as the largest global climate protest in history.
On Friday last (September 20); first, second, third and transition-year students from St Brigid's Presentation Secondary School, St Brendan's College and Killarney Community College united to spell out the word ‘Now’ in the grounds of St Mary's Cathedral in a call to politicians to take action to prevent further climate change.
The strike was organised by three student groups nationwide - Fridays for Future Ireland, School Strikes for Climate Ireland and Schools Climate Action Network - with adult organisations including Stop Climate Chaos, SIPTU, The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Fórsa, the Union of Students of Ireland, Extinction Rebellion and many more groups as organising partners.
The students claim the Irish Government has been inactive on environmental issues and that this inaction has led to a rise in emissions and damage to in environment.
“During the final period [on Friday] the students gathered in the Bishop's field and created a powerful visual demand statement regarding Climate Action,” said St Brendan’s principal Sean Coffey.\
“Marshalled by Mr. Declan O'Donoghue and his Politics and Society Class, the 1000-plus students created the NOW image. We are most thankful to fifth year student Iuvali Cazacu and Mr. John C. O'Shea for their drone expertise and their work in capturing this statement image.”
Later the day the same students gathered to hear a highly informative input from Dr. Aidan Forde, of Saorgus Energy Ltd., the firm behind the wind farms in the Stacks Mountains outside Tralee, on the impact of carbon loading on our climate.
“A huge thank you to our past pupil for his insightful presentation,” added Mr Sean Coffey.
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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