News
Councillors divided on smoky coal ban
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By Sean Moriarty
Environment Minister Richard Bruton is expected to announce an extension of the ban on burning smoky coal in a number of towns including Killarney, but local Councillors are divided.
The Government is expected to announce that towns with a population of between 10,000 and 15,000 will be included in extension of the current Low Smoke Zones.
Cllr Donal Grady believes that this is another covert tax being imposed on people, especially those who can’t afford to buy the more expensive smokeless coals or convert their houses to take a gas supply.
“I burn turf myself and will continue to do so unless someone tells me I am going to jail for doing it,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “This Government seems to spring one new tax after another on to the people every week. Look at the aircrafts flying overhead – I am not saying people should not fly – but we need to tackle this all together as one.”
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Councillor Michael Gleeson. Photo: Domnick Walsh[/caption]
Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson, says he has been burning smokeless coal for some years and that he attempted to bring a motion before the council back in 2015 but was overruled as Council colleagues felt that the extra cost was too much of a burden for some people.
However, he cited health improvements in other areas, particularly Ballyfermot in Dublin, where smokey fuel was banned some 30 years ago.
“I asked the Council in 2015 for Killarney to be included in a smoke free zone but some of my colleagues demurred over a cost of €2 more a bag,” Mayor Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser. “The Government should subside the extra cost to those most vulnerable. Killarney is unique as it sits very low, almost in a bowl, and when you get a climate condition called inversion the smoke gets trapped. There has been a marked reduction of bronchial and heart diseases in Ballyfermot for example and the health of the people should be above the Government.”
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...
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