Killarney pharmacies are restocked with ‘Message in a Bottle’, an initiative by Killarney Lions Club.

It is a small plastic container, available free of charge, with an information form which people can fill out with their basic medical details for use by Paramedics, Gardaí, Fire-fighters and first responders in an emergency.

Once the information form is complete, the bottle should be placed in the fridge.

Self-adhesive green cross labels should be put on the front door of the home and on the fridge so that first responders know its there.

Bottles are available at the following pharmacies: Allcare (New St.), Boots (Deerpark), CarePlus+ (Park Rd.), Kennelly’s (Reeks and New St.), Reens Life (Plunkett St.), O’Sullivan’s (New St.), Sewell’s (New St.), Sheahan’s (Main St.), Trants (Park Rd.) and Aherns Farranfore.

Jason Higgins, President of Killarney Lions Club, said that the initiative has been very well received to date as hundreds of people are already using the bottles.

He said: “We just want to make sure everyone who wants a bottle can get one, so the support from the pharmacies is fantastic and if it helps even just one person to get the help they need more quickly and effectively, it is well worth it.”

More information about the Message in a Bottle initiative can be found on the Lions Ireland website: https://lionsclubs.ie/service/message-in-a-bottle/

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that it has begun a new feasibility study to identify a suitable site for a long-delayed Primary Care Centre in Killarney.

Cllr Marie Moloney received the update this week, with the HSE stating that both the Columbanus Hospital and Killarney District Hospital sites are now being assessed as potential locations.

In the statement, issued this week, the HSE said it “fully recognises the ongoing need for a Primary Care Centre in Killarney,” particularly following the setback linked to the Áras Phádraig planning application earlier this year.

The new study aims to determine “the most aligned and cost-effective solution on HSE lands” and to “build a purpose-built permanent facility that is fully integrated into the community healthcare network.”

The update marks the latest step in what has been a long-running effort to deliver a modern primary care facility for Killarney. The town has been without a dedicated plan for a centre since plans for Áras Phádraig were stalled due to planning complications.

While no timeline for the completion of the feasibility study has yet been given, the HSE confirmed it remains committed to delivering a “long-term, sustainable, purpose-built Primary Care Centre” for Killarney.