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Kerry’s tourism industry at risk of being “dismantled”

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By Sean Moriarty

Local TD Danny Healy-Rae has told the Dáil that Kerry’s tourism industry could be “dismantled” as a result of the “effect the very significant number of refugees and asylum seekers coming into this country”.

Deputy Healy-Rae raised his concerns with the Taoiseach Michael Martin in the Dáil on Wednesday.

“I am calling for a frank and open debate on the impact and effect the very significant number of refugees and asylum seekers coming into this country is having on our services, be it doctors, social welfare offices, hospitals, education and our hospitality industry in Kerry. We are very worried that it could be dismantled,” he said. “I am saying to the Taoiseach that it is not enough to say the Government will provide beds and a roof over their heads. We need to have the other services. Our own people cannot get into social welfare offices.”

There are about 1,304 Ukrainians housed across Killarney with the majority are living in hotels. He is concerned that suitable full-time accommodation will not be found by the beginning of the tourism industry next March.

Either Killarney will face a hotel night shortage or there will be a repeat of the scenes witnessed earlier this month when several refugees were told, with 48 hours notice, that they are being transferred to a different town. A massive public outcry prevented the move at the time.

“I am looking for an honest and open debate here inside in the chamber. We are representing County Kerry here and our tourism industry could be dismantled together with what has been happening on housing with the closing down of so many beds in Airbnb accommodation. Where are we going to be in March?” added Healy Rae.

Martin denied that Killarney’s tourism industry was at risk.

“With the greatest will in the world, I do not believe we could ever dismantle Kerry tourism or Kerry hospitality,” he said. “It is an impossibility. It cannot happen. I have been there too often, including last summer, and there is not a hope that it could be dismantled. It is so strong and robust. There are genuine issues in certain towns. We have a list of towns that have gone way beyond the call of the duty when compared to other areas. We saw that recently in Killarney, where the community responded very generously. We appreciate that."

Aside from any potential risks to the tourism industry, Healy-Rae also warned that other services are being neglected.

“The Government has not provided one extra doctor or one extra man for the social welfare office,” he added.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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