News
An Garda Síochána reintroduces ‘Operation Fanacht’ nationwide to support public health guidelines
Following the Government’s decision to move the country to Level 3 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19, An Garda Síochána will re-commence ‘Operation Fanacht’, from midnight tonight (Tuesday), as a nationwide policing operation focused on supporting public compliance with public health measures.
Under Level 3, people are being encouraged not to travel out of their county unless for essential reasons. In support of this announcement there will be high visibility patrolling by Garda members across the country with the focus of this activity continuing to be encouraging people to adhere to national public health measures.
It will involve 132 large-scale checkpoints a day on main arterial routes around the country in addition to thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes in towns and villages a week.
"An Garda Síochána’s priority is keeping people safe,” Commissioner Drew Harris said. “This will be a major policing operation across the country with high visibility of Garda members to support public health measures. An Garda Síochána is encouraging people not to travel out of their county unless it is for essential purposes. We want to advise people that we will be conducting major checkpoints on main routes and travelling by road from tomorrow will be different from travelling today. People using the roads are likely to face delays.”
Since the start of the pandemic, An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated policing approach based on its tradition of consent, he added.
“We have seen compliance by the vast majority of the public with this approach. Independent surveys have also found significant public support for it. We will continue to police in this way. We have also had a strong focus on the protecting and supporting the vulnerable. That will continue as well. If you need our help, please contact your local Garda station.”
As an organisation rooted in the community, An Garda Síochána understands the difficulties these measures place on everybody.
“More than ever, we all need to work together and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”
Community Response
An Garda Síochána remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable in society, particularly the elderly and those at risk. They have always worked closely with communities and will continue to do so in these extraordinary times.
"An Garda Síochána will continue to play our part to assist and support people, particularly those who are vulnerable and feeling isolated,” Deputy Commissioner John Twomey Policing and Security said.
“Your local Gardaí are here to help whether that is delivering medical prescriptions, collecting your pension or other supports you may need. Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour please contact your local Garda station.”
Operation Faoiseamh
Deputy Commissioner Twomey added, "Victims of domestic abuse remain a priority for An Garda Síochána. Our dedicated operation – ‘Operation Faoiseamh’ continues. This has seen thousands of contacts made with victims of domestic abuse, as well as arrests and over one hundred prosecutions commenced. During this phase of our response to COVID-19 the Garda National Protective Service Bureau and Divisional Protective Service Units will remain fully resourced. There are now Divisional Protective Service Units in every Garda Division.
"If you are a victim of domestic abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim and may not be in a position to help themselves, I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112. We are here to listen, to help and to protect.”
Operation Navigation
‘Operation Navigation’, which focuses on compliance with public health regulations by licensed premises, will continue nationwide and An Garda Síochána will enforce penal regulations using their graduated response. Where Gardaí find potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP in each case.
At this time, there has been no change to the role of specialist units (Special Tactics & Operations Command (STOC), Special Crime Operations, Detective/Drugs Units and Divisional Protective Service Units DPSUs) nationwide. These units will continue to support the community and Garda colleagues with a range of specialist services, and An Garda Síochána will continue to investigate and detect crimes which have continued throughout the pandemic to date.
From the start of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. An Garda Síochána’s response has been fair and proportionate.
In respect of regulations, including travel restrictions, which are not declared to be Penal Regulations under the Health Act 1947 as amended, An Garda Síochána will utilise the following three Es from the 4E approach - engage, explain and encourage, only.
In respect of regulations which are declared to be Penal Regulations under the Health Act 1947 as amended, An Garda Síochána adopts the approach of the Four Es which sees Gardaí engage, educate, encourage, and as a last resort, enforce. Where Gardaí find potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP in each case.
While An Garda Síochána will seek to encourage people to maintain the necessary public health measures, it will intervene where there is non-compliance with public health regulations.
An Garda Síochána wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the basic ways to protect yourself:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty
• Practice good respiratory hygiene, that is, when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue
• Maintain physical distancing, that is, leave at least two metres (six feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself
• Reduce your social interactions
Milltown history republished for 40th anniversary
The first publication to explore the history of Milltown is being republished to mark the 40th anniversary of its author’s passing.
“Milltown: Memories of Other Days” was originally written and published by local historian, auctioneer, librarian, and photographer Denis ‘Denny’ Sugrue, who died in 1986. Having been out of print for many years, the book is being brought back to life by the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
The updated and expanded 132-page edition will be launched at the old Milltown Community Hall on Saturday, August 22, at 8.00pm to coincide with National Heritage Week.
Edited by Dr John Knightly and Dr Owen O’Shea, the 40th-anniversary volume features the original text alongside new and colourised photos from Sugrue’s vast personal archive. It also includes a foreword from Sugrue’s daughter Maria and grandson Paul, as well as a curated selection of his “Milltown Notes,” a weekly column he penned for The Kerryman newspaper for nearly four decades.
“Denis Sugrue was a pioneering author and historian who had the foresight to commit much of the rich history of Milltown to paper in the 1980s,” said co-editor Owen O’Shea. “It is a unique and remarkable social history of a Kerry village in the early and middle twentieth century which we are so pleased to bring to a new audience.”
O’Shea added that the launch event will feature a display of Sugrue’s newspaper notes alongside an evening of local music, song, and storytelling to celebrate his legacy.
Supported by Kerry County Council under the Community Support Fund 2026, the launch event is open to all, with copies of the book available for purchase on the night. For further information, email milltownhistoryheritage@gmail.com.
Resident raises concerns over loss of evening hobby courses
A concerned local resident has voiced frustration over the apparent decline of evening leisure and hobby classes in Killarney during the autumn and winter months, calling for action to bring accessible adult learning back to the town.
The resident, who moved to Killarney decades ago, recalled years spent admiring advertisements for evening courses in gardening, beekeeping, DIY, sewing, Spanish, Pilates, and yoga. After waiting until work and family commitments eased to finally take up a local class, they discovered a distinct lack of local options available last year.
“I eyed the list enviously thinking that someday I’d have the time to attend these classes, to learn a few things and to meet other people with similar interests,” the resident wrote. “I could see that these hobby and leisure classes were reasonably priced and available in a central part of Killarney in an establishment that was accessible to people with disabilities. Hence, they were affordable, accessible, and ideal for anyone, irrespective of age or financial circumstances.”
The resident noted that while neighbouring towns across Kerry continue to host regular evening enrolments, Killarney locals are increasingly forced to travel elsewhere. A friend of the resident was recently obliged to commute weekly to another Kerry town simply to attend a basic DIY course.
The letter highlights the wider social benefits of adult education, pointing out that local classes play a vital role in tackling loneliness and fostering community connections.
“Killarney is a town with a can-do attitude, so these things should be possible,” the resident added. “We are constantly hearing that connection is an essential part of health and wellbeing, yet so many people are being excluded due to a lack of availability and affordability. We are frequently told about the benefits of lifelong learning, and for many people, that can be something light, fun, and most importantly, local.”
Running a class in Killarney? Let us know!
Are you hosting or planning an autumn or winter night class in the Killarney area? Whether it is art, languages, fitness, crafts, or practical skills, the Killarney Advertiser wants to help connect you with local residents who are eager to learn and meet new people.
Send details of your upcoming evening course, workshop, or hobby group to info@killarneyadvertiser.ie so we can help spread the word across the community.
Volunteer and community events will be promoted free of charge and the promotion of commercial events will command a fee.
Milltown history republished for 40th anniversary
Milltown history republished for 40th anniversary The first publication to explore the history of Milltown is being republished to mark...
Resident raises concerns over loss of evening hobby courses
Resident raises concerns over loss of evening hobby courses A concerned local resident has voiced frustration over the apparent decline...
Glenflesk wedding anniversaries
Glenflesk wedding anniversaries Pictured with Glenflesk Parish Priest Fr Jim Lenihan following a special wedding anniversary celebration in St.Agatha’s Church last...
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney — Chapter 7
A weekly series from Killarney Advertiser’s Jess Jukes Felicity’s Summer in Killarney — Chapter 7 A weekly series from Killarney...
Ballymac Vintage Club raises over €7k for local charities
Ballymac Vintage Club raises over €7k for local charities The Ballymac Vintage Club raised over €7,000 for two worthy causes...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
