News
KDYS aim for second quality youth centre award
AWARD RENEWAL: Gordana Berjan (Executive Director of the European Youth Centre Budapest and the Council of Europe Quality Label Programme) pictured with Killarney Municipal District Mayor Cllr Michael Gleeson at the KDYS eurÓg Centre, Killarney on Tuesday. Also in photo from left are: Fr Ger Godley, Kevin Murphy (KDYS), Tim O'Donoghue (KDYS), Gemma O'Brien (KDYS) and Rose O'Connor, (KDYS). Photo: Don MacMonagle
On Tuesday KDYS eurÓg Centre, Killarney hosted the Council of Europe as part of a formal assessment for the awarding of the COE Quality Label for Youth Centres.
Gordana Berjan, Executive Director of the European Youth Centre Budapest and the Council of Europe Quality Label programme, was in Kerry to represent their expert team.
Killarney Municipal District Mayor, Cllr Michael Gleeson, was on hand to formally welcome the Council of Europe to Killarney.
The eurÓg Centre is seeking renewal of this award after becoming the only Centre in Ireland to achieve this status three years ago. If successful, KDYS will hold the Quality Label for a further five years.
The Centre has just completed the development of an onsite accommodation facility with a capacity to host groups of up to 49 people. This will enhance the expansion of the programme offerings which have Human Right Education at their foundation and support ongoing engagement with COE to enhance learning and development opportunities for both young people and youth workers.
These new programmes have already seen groups of Kerry young people travel to various parts of Europe exploring very relevant issues with their peers from different countries. One such example is the Kerry Comhairle Na nÓg group under Kerry County Council coordinated by KDYS. A delegation attended the European Youth Event in Strasbourg earlier this year. They presented their learning from this event to Kerry County Council members at KDYS eurÓg on Tuesday.
In addition, the Kerry Comhairle group recently completed a survey on facilities for young people in Kerry, and the group also presented their findings at the event.
“This is a very appropriate moment for this survey to be unveiled as the Council of Europe were present to give an input into the role of Youth Centres in Europe,” Tim O’Donoghue, KDYS eurÓg Director, said.
Kerry County Councillors and officials were present to hear and give their feedback also.
The assessment of eurÓg took place from Monday, October 28 through to Wednesday 30.
“The Kerry Comhairle Na nÓg event featured prominently as part of this process. Most importantly young people from all over Kerry had the opportunity to engage with Kerry County Council, the Council of Europe and KDYS to have their views heard and to directly receive a response in relation to what actions are in place to support Kerry’s youth.”
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...
Grady demands Killarney traffic review
Killarney councillor Martin Grady has called for an urgent review of traffic management across the town following severe delays along...
Killarney Pumpkin Farm returns for Halloween
The annual event is in its sixth year and caters to people of all ages. The farm is located in...
Killarney Toastmasters host special open night
Killarney Toastmasters is inviting members of the local community to an open night at the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
