Connect with us

News

Order of Malta ambulance heading to Chernobyl

Published

on

PRESENTATION: Anna Nesterova (Candle for Grace) accepts the keys of an ambulance from Joe Looney (Killarney Order of Malta).

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

 

An Order of Malta ambulance that served its time in Killarney is on its way to Chernobyl where it will enjoy a new lease of life.

The fully kitted out ambulance, which is surplus to requirements locally after a former a HSE ambulance replaced it, will now be used by hospitals in the Chernobyl area.

A Mayo-based charity called Candle of Grace organises the collection of much needed medical supplies to be used by local health facilities and orphanages near Chernobyl.

Throughout 2020 the Order of Malta Units based in Limerick, Nenagh and Thurles aided Candle of Grace with this collection.

During this process it was realised that there was a shortage of ambulances in the area and two end-of-life vehicles – one each in Killarney and Cashel – were identified and handed over just before Christmas.

Candle of Grace is now in the process of delivering them to Chernobyl.

"It is great to see surplus but still serviceable medical equipment given a new lease of life where it is most needed. It is anticipated that both of these ex-frontline vehicles can be put to good use to the people of the Chernobyl region in early 2021. A number of years ago our Killarney Unit facilitated a similar vehicle donation and we are delighted to help once again,” said the Order of Malta’s Assistant Commander Tony O’Mara.

Both vehicles laden with additional medical supplies, collected and donated by the Nenagh, Thurles and Limerick units of the Ambulance Corps, will be driven to the Chernobyl area by Candle of Grace volunteers in the coming days.

“We had a 2011 ambulance but it was in great condition and we really needed to find another home for it,” Joe Looney, Order of Malta – Killarney’s deputy officer in charge, told the Killarney Advertiser.

The Killarney branch will in turn take charge of a former NHS ambulance as the national fleet gets updated to modern vehicles.

Advertisement

News

Paint recycling scheme launches at Coolcaslagh

Published

on

By

Paint recycling scheme launches at Coolcaslagh


A new circular economy initiative designed to recycle leftover paint has launched at the Coolcaslagh Civic Amenity Site in Killarney

.

The ‘ReLove Paint’ scheme allows householders to drop off leftover water-based interior paint at the site for a nominal fee. The collected paint will be filtered, re-coloured, and re-mixed into new shades by a social enterprise branch of the South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP).

The project operates as a joint collaboration between Kerry County Council, the EPA, the Rediscovery Centre, the Paint Reuse Network, and the SKDP. The initiative aims to divert waste from landfills while supplying affordable, remanufactured paint to local households and community groups.

Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Cllr John O’Donoghue, welcomed the launch.

“Many households have old, half-empty paint cans lying around in attics and sheds and this is a really simple way to get rid of them while benefitting the environment,” Cllr O’Donoghue said.

SKDP Chief Executive Noel Spillane said the project will deliver significant environmental benefits by diverting unused paint from landfill and giving it a new lease of life.

“It will also provide community groups with access to affordable paint, while creating valuable employment opportunities within the local community. We look forward to collecting unused paint from Coolcaslagh and preparing it for reuse, with the first paint expected to be available from October 2026,” Spillane said.

Continue Reading

News

Sem prepares for major Halloween event next month

Published

on

By

Sem prepares for major Halloween event next month

Sem prepares for major Halloween event next month

St Brendan’s College asking people to mark their diaries as the school prepares to host a major interactive ‘Halloween at the Sem’ event from October 21 to 23.

The three-night spectacle will run from 6.00pm to 9.00pm each evening on the grounds of the school.
Organisers have also confirmed a dedicated autism-friendly session on Thursday, October 22, starting at 5.15pm. The sensory-sensitive slot will feature reduced sound levels and a relaxed atmosphere with no sudden jump scares to ensure the event is accessible to all members of the community.
Full details on ticket sales, show features, and behind-the-scenes preparations are expected to be released over the coming weeks ahead of the October event.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport