News
Killarney students metres away from London terror attack
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By Sean Moriarty
Teachers and students have this week been praised for remaining calm after getting caught up close to last Friday’s London terror attack on London Bridge.
The Leaving Cert class from St Brigid’s Secondary School were on their annual post-Christmas exams trip to the British capital – and just 300 metres away from where the incident happened – where five people were stabbed, two fatally.
However, they managed to get the last Tube out of the area before police shut-down the train service.
The attack took place, according to police records, at 1.55pm when perpetrator Usman Kha, a convicted terrorist, was shot dead by police after members of the public unarmed him by using a fire extinguisher.
At the time of the attack the students were visiting The Monument to the Great Fire of London - less than 300 metres away from London Bridge.
The student’s itinerary stated that they should meet outside Monument Tube Station at 2pm so they could carry on their tour to the Imperial War Museum.
“As they were making their way down from The Monument they could see people running in every direction on the bridge,” Deputy Principal Mairéad Lucey told the Killarney Advertiser. “They were just two city blocks away but at the time they did not really know what was going on but they kept to their schedule. It was only when they were on the train, they realised there was something serious going on and that they were on the last train out of there.”
The next stop on the student’s schedule was the Imperial War Museum, approximately 10 stops on The London Underground’s District Line, where there is no mobile signal.
“Once the teachers and students got to the War Museum and realised what was going on, everyone phoned home and the school to let everyone know they were ok,” she added. “Everyone remained calm.”
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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