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Killarney’s homeless refusing offers of help according to councillor Grady

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By Sean Moriarty

 

People sleeping rough on the streets of Killarney are refusing offers of accommodation from Kerry County Council officials, according to Cllr Donal Grady who raised the issue at a recent Joint Policing Committee online meeting.

This is the second time he raised the issue. Last September he told a Killarney Municipal District meeting that he was concerned at the number of rough sleepers in the town centre.

Since then, Cllr Grady and his son Martin have made several attempts to house these individuals but so far they have all refused his and Kerry County Council’s offers.

“Kerry County Council has rooms in Tralee and Killarney and they won’t take them,” O’Grady told the Killarney Advertiser. “There are offers of single rooms – because of COVID – and they still refuse.”

Last August traders on Plunkett St raised concerns to the Killarney Advertiser over the number of people sleeping rough in the archway on Glebe Lane.

There are also a number of individuals currently sleeping rough on Beech Road.

Killarney Gardai previously said that it is not illegal to be homeless and that they can only take action if individuals engage in criminal activity.

“It is not a matter for gardai unless an offence is notified to us,” Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster, head of the Kerry Garda Division told the Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Begging is not illegal either unless it is done in certain circumstances like in close proximity to an ATM machine. However, there is such a bank machine on Beech Road.

“People can’t go to the bank because as soon as they park these people are around them,” added Grady.

A Kerry County Council official told the meeting: “If a person refuses accommodation then there’s nothing we can do about it”.

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A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

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Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

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Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

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The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

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