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Regulator questions multi-storey car park plan

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Plans for a multi-storey car park in Killarney have been questioned by the State’s planning regulator, who has called on Kerry County Council to drop the proposal from its draft variation of the County Development Plan 2022-2028.

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) said the plan does not align with national or regional policy on air quality and sustainable transport. The proposal commits the council to “facilitate the provision of a multi-storey car park in Killarney at an appropriate location.”
Council officials had previously pointed to the New Street car park site as the preferred location. Estimates suggested a three-storey facility there could provide 516 spaces, a net gain of almost 300, at a cost of €12.7 million.
However, the OPR noted that the council itself has stated that current parking supply is already adequate. Figures show there are 1,373 spaces in public car parks in the town, in addition to on-street and private parking.
The regulator also highlighted a separate proposal for 139 spaces at Green Lawn, off Mission Road, which was recently put out for public consultation.
The debate comes after Killarney councillors voted last week, by a narrow margin, to approve plans for the Green Lawn car park near St Mary’s Cathedral.
That decision was opposed by local residents and raised concerns among gardaí, who warned of possible increased traffic congestion in the area.
The draft variation was prepared to set out a settlement plan for the Killarney Municipal District and to provide a detailed planning framework for the town.

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Rugby Club launch new home jersey at Scotts Hotel

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Rugby Club launch new home jersey at Scotts Hotel


Killarney RFC officially unveiled their new home jersey for the upcoming 2026/2027 season during a launch event held at Scotts Hotel.


Club captain Matt McAuliffe presented the new shirt at the town centre venue, marking the official launch of the kit as the squad prepares for the new campaign ahead.
The club expressed its sincere gratitude to Scotts Hotel for their ongoing partnership and support. Killarney RFC members noted how proud they are to carry the name of a valued local sponsor on their jerseys throughout the season.

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Patient transfer to new hospital to begin on Monday

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Patient transfer to new hospital to begin on Monday



Following several false starts and long delays, the phased transfer of patients and residents to the new state-of-the-art Killarney Community Nursing Unit on Lewis Road is set to begin on Monday, August 10.



A major stumbling block regarding staff transfers and safe staffing levels was resolved following negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

With an agreement reached between the HSE and representative unions, including the INMO, SIPTU, and Fórsa, at long last, staff and residents are prepared to move into the new facility.

Welcoming the breakthrough, Councillor Marie Moloney expressed cautious optimism:

“It’s good news that an agreement has been reached with the staff and that transfer of residents and patients can finally take place to the Community Nursing Unit. So many families have been waiting for so long to see their loved ones transfer to this beautiful new facility. Let’s hope there will be no further delays.”

HSE National Director and Integrated Health Area Manager for Kerry, Julie O’Neill, confirmed that the agreement enables the facility to open safely on a phased basis:

“I welcome the agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission, enabling us to proceed with the opening of our new Community Nursing Unit in Killarney. I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this agreement and acknowledge the constructive engagement of all parties.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry and member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, Michael Cahill TD, also welcomed the news:

“This is very welcome news for older people and their families across Kerry. The new Killarney Community Nursing Unit has been eagerly awaited and I am delighted that agreement has now been reached to allow its phased opening from August 10. I know the delays have been a source of frustration for many families but today’s announcement provides certainty that residents will soon begin moving into this modern, purpose-built facility.”

Deputy Cahill acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved in negotiations, noting:

“I want to thank the HSE, the Workplace Relations Commission and the representative unions, the INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa for their constructive engagement in reaching this agreement. Ensuring safe staffing is essential, and I am pleased that a solution has now been found.”

He added:

“As a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, I will continue to work to ensure Kerry receives the healthcare investment and staffing it deserves. The opening of this new unit is a major step forward for residential care in our county, and I look forward to seeing residents welcomed through its doors from August 10.”

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