There has been a call for the Government to host an EU Ministerial Meeting in Killarney during Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, which is set to commence in July.

Cllr John O’Donoghue raised the idea at a recent meeting of Killarney Municipal District, describing it as a valuable opportunity to showcase the town on an international stage.

He said: “Killarney is somewhat unique amongst towns in our country in that our hospitality sector is able to host functions on every and any scale. We should seek to capitalise on this unique opportunity by seeking to host a ministerial meeting, or maybe even a EU leader summit”.

Cllr Marie Moloney supported the idea, noting that Killarney has previously hosted high-profile events, recalling a similar occasion during Dick Spring’s tenure as Tánaiste, when a gala dinner took place in the town.

The Tidy Towns team will sport a new set of jerseys this year for the ultimate Tidy Towns championship.

Daly’s SuperValu has generously supplied volunteers with new high-visibility bibs, reflecting the retailer’s ongoing sponsorship of the national competition.

Team Killarney, captained by Kerry GAA legend and All-Ireland winner Michael Gleeson, is aiming to make a strong impression this year’s in an effort to win the prestigious overall award for the first time since 2011 or by repeating their success at the Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town 2023.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Johnny McGuire, who leads the Tidy Towns campaign every year, has appealed to everybody in the locality to make a special effort to have Killarney looking its best this year.

Businesses, residents’ associations and individuals are being encouraged to get their premises and their houses into shape before the first visit of the Tidy Towns judges in the coming weeks. Mr McGuire emphasised the importance of first impressions, particularly with the initial adjudication due in early June.

He said: “The initial adjudication is key so we would ask business owners to get whatever work they are planning, such as painting or planting, done before that as that is when the main opinions are formed,” he said.

Meanwhile, additional volunteers are required for the weekly clean-ups and anyone willing to lend a hand is asked to attend the bottle bank in the High Street car park every Monday evening from 6.00pm.

All necessary materials will be provided.