Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

Members of Kerry County Council today adopted a variation to the current Kerry County Development Plan which has zoned sufficient residential and employment lands to meet the future development needs of the Killarney Municipal District.

In terms of lands available for employment, there are now approximately 75 hectares of undeveloped lands across the Municipal District. With respect to lands for residential development, there are now about 95 hectares of new or proposed residential lands available within the Municipal District. These lands have the potential to accommodate 4,415 units.

The newly adopted plan aims to set out a comprehensive local planning framework with clear policies and objectives including land use zoning, in the interests of the common good. The successful implementation of the Plan will have a positive impact on the Killarney MD, ensuring it develops in a sustainable manner.

In conjunction with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (KCDP), this Variation will complete the planning framework for the area and complement the implementation of the policies and objectives contained in these higher-level plans.

The principal town in the Municipal District is Killarney which is designated as a Key Town in the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 (KCDP).

Rathmore, Barraduff and Kilcummin occupy important roles as District Towns for the area as identified in the County Development Plan.

Developers urged to act as deadline looms for Killarney affordable housing

Kerry County Council has issued a final call to developers to submit expressions of interest for affordable housing and turnkey acquisitions in Killarney. The deadline for submissions is set for 4:00 pm. on Friday, February.
According to the CEO report presented at Monday’s full council meeting in Tralee, the council is seeking developers for turnkey acquisitions across the county, as well as specific affordable housing submissions for Killarney and Tralee.
These initiatives are aimed at increasing the local housing supply through advance purchase arrangements for residential developments.
Enquiries regarding the Turnkey Open Call can be made to turnkey@kerrycoco.ie, while those interested in the Affordable Housing call should contact affordablehousing@kerrycoco.ie.
Speaking after the meeting, the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, made a strong appeal to developers to engage with the scheme before the February deadline. He esiad that the current shortage of affordable options is pricing a specific group of residents out of the town.
“Killarney is currently experiencing a serious shortage of affordable homes, especially for individuals and families who do not qualify for social housing because they are above the income threshold, yet still cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market,” Mayor Grady said.
He added that this gap in the market is having a “profound impact” on young families and first-time buyers who want to remain in Killarney but are struggling with escalating house prices and the high cost of living. “I wish to strongly encourage developers to express their interest in developing affordable housing on suitable sites within the town,” he siad.