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Economic Recovery Plan includes targeted supports for the tourism sector

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Deputy Brendan Griffin.

The Economic Recovery Plan launched by Government today (Tuesday) sets out a range of supports and investment for the tourism industry in Kerry, including the extension of the 9% tourism VAT rate, Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin TD has said.

The Plan includes targeted supports for the tourism sector such as pilot events for arts, culture, sports, and live entertainment, as well as restart payments up to a maximum of €30,000 for businesses reopening in time for the tourist season this summer.

“From double CRSS payments to a lower VAT rate, the tourism industry in Kerry is set to get a real boost over the coming months with the launch of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan," Deputy Griffin said.

“I know that some businesses haven’t had the opportunity to take full advantage of the reduced tourism VAT rate to date, so I’m delighted to see the extension of the tourism VAT rate of 9% until September 2022. This will give businesses across Kerry the opportunity to claw back some of their much-needed lost revenue.

“Many restaurants, shops and local attractions in Kerry have faced huge challenges over the past 15 months, but today’s announcement marks a new chapter on our road to recovery post-pandemic.

“Our economic recovery is going to be rapid; businesses are going to reopen, and people are going to return to their jobs.

“Summer 2021 is a summer we can look forward to, with tourists returning to visit our local attractions and businesses here in Kerry. We’re going to see people back in our restaurants and pubs, our parks and beaches, and our local shops and attractions. The supports for the tourism industry outlined in the plan go far beyond the reduced VAT rate. The commercial rates waiver will be extended for three months for businesses in Kerry, while businesses set to reopen can avail of double CRSS payments for three weeks up to a maximum of €30,000."

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Céilí Mór will send ‘em home sweatin’

It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this […]

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It will be a case of all around the house but mind the dresser at a traditional Céilí Mór which will be one of the real entertainment highlights of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Killarney.

It will take place on the eve of the big feast day in the Killarney Great Southern and there will be a wonderful party atmosphere guaranteed on the night.
Providing the tunes will be the very highly regarded Uí Bhriaín Céilí Band and they promise to send everybody home sweating after what will be a memorable night for locals and visitors.
The March 16 céilí will commence at 9.00pm and continue right through until midnight and the admission for a wonderful night of pure Irish trad is just €10.00.
Bookings can be made on the festival website or patrons can pay at the door on the night.

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St Brendan’s student Aodhagan O’Sullivan crowned CPR champion

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Aodhagan O’Sullivan, a student at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, has been named the 2026 School CPR Challenge Champion.

The prestigious award was presented on Thursday, 26 February, during a large-scale event at the Gleneagle Hotel, where approximately 300 students from post-primary schools across the county gathered to compete for the title of “who can compress the best.”


Now in its fourth year, the event is organised by the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) Community First Responders.

The KCRU is a volunteer-led group that provides vital emergency response services to Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Firies, Rathmore, and Kenmare.

The challenge focused on “Quality CPR” (QCPR), combining a high-stakes competition with practical life-saving training and the chance for students to engage directly with local emergency and community services.


The competition utilised advanced QCPR technology to measure the depth and rate of compressions, ensuring that students aren’t just learning the motions, but are performing life-saving techniques to a clinical standard.

Beyond the competitive element, the day served as an educational hub, highlighting the “chain of survival” and the importance of immediate bystander intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest.


The 2026 challenge was made possible through the support of the Vodafone Foundation, The Gleneagle Hotel, and First Aid Systems Ltd, alongside a variety of local sponsors. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the 300 participants, noting that such events are essential for building a “heart-safe” community and equipping the next generation with the skills to save a life.

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