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Drone technology for search and rescue group

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Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT), who responded to 38 callouts and assisted 49 different people last year, plan to use drone technology for future search and rescue operations.

A new report issued by KMRT details the efforts the 35 volunteer members dealt with in 2019, and highlighted some of the future plans of the organisation.

“Approximately half of these occurred over the busy summer months,” KMRT PRO Colm Burke, said. “The callout profile has ranged widely, from fall injuries and medical assistance to casualty location and recovery operations. The majority of the callouts have occurred in the McGillycuddy’s Reeks with a number of callouts on the Beara and Dingle Peninsulas also.”

In total the team spent 4,300 operational hours on the mountains last year including 2,000 rescue hours. The other 2,300 hours were spent training.

“Team training hours have increased in the past 12 months with the addition of new training modules on drone operation and 4x4 driving techniques, along with regular training in the core competencies of first aid, casualty care and evacuation, technical ropework, navigation and radio communications. 2019 also saw the team involved in a number of inter-agency training operations and emergency simulations on Skellig Michael,” he added.

Unfortunately two people lost their lives on Kerry mountains last year and that has prompted KMRT to issue a warning ahead of the busy winter climbing season.

“With the short winter days, cold weather and dark skies, it's more important than ever to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains,” Colm said. “As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains. Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too. Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day. Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.”

 

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Anseo bus service carries 20,000 passengers in first four months

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The TFI Anseo bus service in Killarney has carried more than 20,000 passengers in its first four months of operation, according to figures released by the National Transport Authority in partnership with TFI Local Link Kerry.


The demand responsive service, which launched on August 11, has seen steady growth, reflecting strong local take up and increasing demand for sustainable transport options in the town.

In the run up to Christmas, the service reached another milestone when 2,023 passengers used Anseo in a single week, the highest weekly total since its introduction and the first time weekly usage passed the 2,000 mark.


To meet growing demand, operating hours were extended in early October. The service now runs from 6.30am to 11pm, seven days a week, providing greater flexibility for commuters, shoppers and visitors.


Edmund Betagh, TFI Local Link Programme Manager at the NTA, said the figures showed the service was making a real difference in Killarney and highlighted the community’s support for accessible and reliable public transport.


Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, said the extended hours had further improved accessibility and given people an additional transport option for daily travel.


TFI Anseo operates as a smart, app based service within a designated Killarney zone and is funded through the Government’s Climate Action Fund under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

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‘Old Shed Door’ photo wins Camera Club’s Unrestricted Competition

Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture. The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is […]

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Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture.

The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is ‘The Old Shed Door’ by Ade Desbrow.
Mr Desbrow captured his winning image unexpectedly just before demolishing an old shed at the bottom of his garden.
He was drawn to the shed’s old timber door, where an antique bolt provided the ideal subject, covered in dust, cobwebs, and years of weathering.
Award-winning photographer Vivian Buckley delivered this month’s critique, praising the winning shot for its quality. Mr. Buckley noted that the final photo displayed incredible clarity, detail, and sharpness. He also highlighted the perfect lighting and reflection from an old mirror beneath the door, which captured “every grain of wood and every delicate thread of cobweb”.

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