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“Time to get off the fence, and be more serious on defence”
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Fossa-based Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of the Fine Gael Delegation in the European Parliament, has called on Ireland to address the growing need for enhanced defence capabilities in light of evolving global threats.
"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shattered our assumptions about security in Europe," Kelly said. "Hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are now a daily reality. Technological advancements like AI and drone warfare are rapidly reshaping the defence landscape, and Ireland must adapt swiftly."
Kelly emphasised that Ireland’s position of military neutrality does not equate to vulnerability. "Neutrality does not mean we can afford to ignore our security," he added. "We must invest in our territorial defence, particularly in primary radar, naval expansion, and air defence. These are not luxuries—they are fundamental to our national security."
Kelly also called for increased collaboration within the EU. "While defence spending remains a national responsibility, we must work together on projects that offer real value, such as joint surveillance and procurement," he said.
"Ireland’s neutrality must remain", Kelly concluded. "But we must also contribute meaningfully to European security, where possible, and leverage our expertise in areas like peacekeeping."
“Time to get off the fence, and be more serious on defence.”
The Mayor of Killarney, Martin Grady, has called on Kerry County Council to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore using Killarney National Park and the grounds of Killarney House for community, cultural, and recreational events.
The proposal does not envision large-scale, stadium-style concerts like those held at Slane Castle. Instead, the focus is on smaller, more intimate summer gigs, outdoor cinema screenings, and family-oriented fun days. Mayor Grady pointed to the success of Féile na Bláth, held annually in Tralee Town Park, as a model for what could be achieved in Killarney.
Spa GAA has been awarded €89,132 in funding by Kerry County Council under the Community Climate Action Programme scheme to enhance energy efficiency at its sporting campus.
The grant will fund a variety of green initiatives, including enhanced solar energy generation, battery storage systems, and the replacement of the main pitch floodlighting with energy-efficient LED lighting. The funding will also support additional renewable energy, biodiversity, and climate action projects across the grounds.
The announcement comes just ahead of the club’s busiest weekend of the year, when it hosts the annual Killarney Club 7s tournament.
Earlier this year, the club completed insulation retrofit works on its multi-purpose sports hall and clubhouse. The upgrades were designed to improve thermal comfort for visitors while lowering the club’s overall energy consumption and localized greenhouse gas emissions.
“How we build, heat, and run our sports complexes can play a big part in national climate action targets, and good energy management is a big priority for us at Spa GAA,” Club Chairman Tadgh Hickey said.
Mayor calls for community and cultural events in National Park
The Mayor of Killarney, Martin Grady, has called on Kerry County Council to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)...
Spa GAA secures €89,132 in funding for climate action initiatives
Spa GAA has been awarded €89,132 in funding by Kerry County Council under the Community Climate Action Programme scheme to enhance energy...
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