Connect with us

News

Killarney Gardai tackle recreational drug use

Published

on

E

EXCLUSIVE

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Provisional figures show that over 250 people were found to be in possession of illegal drugs in Killarney last year - an increase of 38 percent of the previous years 185.

 

Local gardai concentrated their efforts on tackling the use of recreational drugs, particularly during busy weekend activity and at night.

 

The local effort, named ‘Operation Snow’, was all part of a large-scale enforcement initiative in an effort to tackle recreational drug use in the town.

 

Local gardai particularly targeted the busy night-time trade in Killarney and worked closely with the owners and management of late bars and night clubs.

 

Plain clothes officers operated in late night venues and in adjoining car parks and laneways.

 

“I want to acknowledge the support provided by the licenced trade to this initiative,” Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “We specifically targeted the night-time economy in Killarney. The use of controlled recreational drugs goes hand in hand with the night-time economy in Killarney.”

 

Supt Murphy confirmed that the majority of those caught with drugs were from out of town, and that cocaine was the most common drug seized during weekends.

 

“There was a significant number of detections in relation to locals too,” Supt Murphy added. “All of these people will face prosecution, but in the case of young people, they will be dealt with under the Garda Youth Diversion Scheme.”

 

Drug Driving

 

There was also increased enforcement on the roads in Killarney in relation to illegal drugs consumption and the number of motorists caught driving while under the influence of drugs also increased. Last year 19 people were arrested compared to just six in 2018, and this also reflects national trends.

 

Local gardai also gave talks to the town’s secondary school students in relation to illegal drugs and this is ongoing.

 

“This was about preventative measures, education and awareness rather than law enforcement,” he said.

 

“Tackling the supply and use of controlled drugs will be a priority for Killarney Gardai in 2020 and a variety of strategies will be utilised to achieve this, both in terms of enforcement and education.”

 

Members of the public can use the ‘See Something/Say Something’ initiative in a confidential manner to Gardai in relation to drugs by texting ‘KILLARNEY’ and your message to 50555.

 

Advertisement

News

New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

Published

on

By

A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

Continue Reading

News

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Published

on

By

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport