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Ministerial update sought on Killarney House

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9 years ago

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At the preview opening of Killarney House & Gardens are Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
At the preview opening of Killarney House & Gardens are Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare at the preview opening of Killarney House in April. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

At the preview opening of Killarney House & Gardens are Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

KILLARNEY HOUSE is in the limelight again as local senator Paul Coghlan is seeking details as to plans for its future. Senator Coghlan, Fine Gael, has asked the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, to clarify her plans for the future of Killarney House.

The Killarney senator said: “In November 2015, Minister Humphreys launched the Action Plan for historic houses in private ownership. The plan contains nine actions aimed at securing these historic properties on a sustainable footing into the future."

“I have now asked Minister Humphreys to provide me with a full update on Killarney House in the Seanad. I have specifically asked for a time frame as to when it will be open to the public and also if it will commemorate the previous owners, namely the Browne and McShain families.

The action plan for historic houses in private ownership focuses on ways to strengthen links with local communities and local authorities; the development of visitor programmes; boosting marketing and tourism opportunities and improving links between historic houses and the educational sector, added Senator Coghlan.

“Killarney House has real potential to become an excellent tourist attraction for the town of Killarney,” he said. “It’s vital that Killarney House is placed at the top of the Action Plan for historic houses as we need movement on this project. I have no doubt that the Minister will provide a full update on her plans for Killarney House following a debate that I have tabled in the Seanad, and I look forward to working with her in securing the future of this wonderful amenity.”
 

 
Reverend Simon Lumby, and Christel Nolke, dressed up as Lord and Lady Kenmare at the preview opening of Killarney House in April.
PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West. Representatives from […]

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7 hours ago

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22 October 2025

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A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.

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Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration. The Song […]

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8 hours ago

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22 October 2025

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Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

The Song Circle, taking place on Saturday, November 22 at 5:30pm, invites songwriters, composers, and performers of all styles to come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting to share their work and connect with others.
Whether you’re an experienced performer eager to showcase your own material or simply want to listen and be inspired, the Song Circle promises a warm, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and community spirit.
Organisers say the event is about more than performance , it’s about building a network of local musicians who can support and learn from one another.
The evening is free to attend, though booking is advised, as spaces are limited.
For more information or to reserve a spot, visit westendhouse.ie.

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