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Calls to limit Carrauntoohil access during extreme weather

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By Sean Moriarty

Carrauntoohil and other popular mountaineering treks in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks should be deemed out of bounds during specific weather alerts.

That is according to Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Cahill who raised his concerns at a recent Kerry County Council meeting.

Earlier this month, 26 members of Kerry Mountain Rescue were tasked with helping several climbers off the mountain on a night of heavy snowfall.

“Hiking and mountain climbing are enjoyed by many as a healthy outdoor adventure and are fantastic experiences. However, like in anything there are inherent dangers, where injuries may be sustained or lives lost unfortunately. Kerry Mountain Rescue are an amazing gathering of dedicated, highly trained individuals, who regularly put their lives on the line for people in danger on our mountains," he said.

"I believe that when severe weather alerts are in place by Met Éireann, places like Carrauntoohil should not be open to visitors who are putting, not alone their own lives in danger, but also the lives of our rescuers,” Councillor Cahill told the meeting. It is quite understandable that you could set out in good weather conditions and all of a sudden a major change could occur putting you and your friends in danger. But there are also people who set out knowing well that there are adverse conditions from Met Éireann warnings and yet they persevere with their trip, putting lives in danger.

"This is a form of negligence on their part and to ensure the maximum safety, we need to have a protocol in place, advising no access is allowed to these places, such as Carrauntoohil, during specific weather alerts.”

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All-Electric Toyota C-HR+ debuts at Kelliher’s Toyota Tralee

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The all-new battery electric Toyota C-HR+ has officially arrived at Kelliher’s Toyota Tralee, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s electric vehicle lineup in Kerry.

To celebrate the launch, the dealership is hosting a dedicated test drive event running until March 21, allowing local motorists to experience the new model first-hand.


The C-HR+ features a 77 kWh battery that provides a competitive driving range of up to 606km on a single charge.

Toyota is backing this technology with its Electric Battery Extended Care Program, which offers coverage for up to 10 years or one million kilometres, provided the vehicle undergoes an annual battery health check.

This includes a guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity over the 10-year period, supported by the original eight-year manufacturing warranty.


Pricing for the new electric model starts at €42,160 or from €374 per month through Toyota Easy PCP Finance.

For the month of March, Kelliher’s is offering an introductory incentive where customers can choose between a €2,000 Trade-In Booster or a low 3.9% APR finance rate.


The team at Kelliher’s noted that this model combines the established design language of the C-HR with the latest EV innovations, making it a viable option for both daily commutes and longer journeys across the county.

Motorists interested in the new electric SUV can book a test drive via the dealership website or by visiting the Tralee showroom during the event.

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Kerry Mountain Rescue unveils INEOS Grenadier rescue unit

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Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) officially launched its new state-of-the-art rescue vehicle on Friday, significantly upgrading their ability to reach casualties in the county’s most unforgiving terrain.

Funded through the Community Recognition Fund, the new INEOS Grenadier units were specifically chosen for their rugged 4×4 capabilities and “built-for-purpose” design.

Unlike standard commercial vehicles, these Grenadiers have undergone extensive technical modifications to meet the demands of search and rescue operations on the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and surrounding mountains.


The vehicles are engineered for extreme conditions, featuring a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and an integrated cable winch for recovery operations.

To handle the rocky and often flooded terrain of the Kerry highlands, the units are equipped with auxiliary power systems and enhanced off-road suspension.


The investment ensures that KMRT volunteers have the most modern equipment available as they continue to provide 24/7 emergency cover for hillwalkers and climbers across the southwest.

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