News
Government latte levy delay is fuelling litter crisis
The founders of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project and the environmental group VOICE have issued a warning that government inaction is undermining local efforts to reduce waste.
Despite Killarney leading the way as Ireland’s first coffee cup-free town, the group says the project is now on "precarious footing" because a promised national levy on disposable cups has failed to materialise.
The "latte levy" was included in the Circular Economy Act 2022, but a start date has yet to be confirmed. Advocates argue that without this charge at the point of sale, there is no financial incentive for customers to switch to reusables, leaving local independent businesses to carry the burden alone.
The call for action follows the latest IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) report, which found that disposable coffee cups remain a major litter problem, appearing in one-fifth of all surveyed sites across Ireland.
In contrast, the report noted that plastic bottles and cans have become 60% less common since the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced last year, proving that state-led financial measures are effective.
“We need Government to act, so that we can level the playing field. Without a levy, at the point of sale, customers are not incentivised to choose reusable alternatives, businesses aren't motivated to offer reusable alternatives, and large coffee chains continue with their business models that depend on disposables.” said the founders of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project. "The loss of political will is deeply worrying."
Ireland currently uses over 200 million single-use cups every year.
VOICE and local organisers point to the success of the plastic bag levy as a model, noting that it changed public behaviour almost overnight.
They argue that funds from a cup levy could be ringfenced to pay for national infrastructure, such as specialized street bins and cleaning hubs for reusable cups.
Tad Kirakowski, CEO of VOICE, urged the government to honour its commitment, stating that continued delays send the wrong signal and lock the country into unnecessary waste.
News
Centra Muckross Road supports Kerry Stars with bottle return donation
Centra Muckross Road supports Kerry Stars with bottle return donation
Sheahan’s Centra on the Muckross Road has made a significant donation to the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club using proceeds from unclaimed deposits at the shop’s bottle return machine.
Aisling Sheahan and the team at the Muckross Road store presented the cheque to members of the club this week. The funds were generated through the return scheme located at the front of the shop, where customers have the option to donate their return vouchers to local causes.
The donation comes at a busy time for the Kerry Stars, who have returned to training this week following the Easter break. The club provides a wide range of sporting outlets for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including athletics, therapeutic horse riding, basketball, and soccer.
Preparation is also underway for the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games, which take place in Dublin this June. Four athletes have been selected to represent the Kerry Stars at the national event.
The club is currently open to new members across most of its disciplines, though a long waiting list remains for Friday evening swimming sessions as the group continues its search for a qualified swim coach in Killarney. Training will continue until the summer break in May before resuming again in September.
Those interested in joining the club or inquiring about the coaching vacancy can contact Kerry Stars at kerrystars63@gmail.com or by calling 087 2365664.
Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.
The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.
Centra Muckross Road supports Kerry Stars with bottle return donation
Centra Muckross Road supports Kerry Stars with bottle return donation
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