Kerry County Council is currently developing proposals to improve the layout and operation of the school set-down area at Lissivigeen National School.

The update was provided at this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting following a motion from Councillor Niall Kelleher.

Cllr Kelleher requested a concrete set of proposals and a delivery timeline to permanently resolve the traffic, parking, and road safety issues at the school, following a direct deputation from school representatives in May.

In its official reply, the Council stated that it will engage with stakeholders as the design progresses.

However, the local authority noted that significant improvements to the area in front of the school will require alterations to the national road.

To progress this, Kerry County Council has brought the issues raised by the school to the attention of the Safety Section of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The move follows an urgent appeal in May by School Principal Ellen Cagney and Parents’ Association Chairperson Michelle Barrett.

They told councillors that the current setup on the busy N22 is chaotic and a serious accident risk for the 271 pupils and their families.

The school has been seeking a lower speed limit during drop-off and pick-up hours, digital warning signs, improved road markings, and an upgraded set-down area to stop parents from having to park on the grassy verges of the primary route.


Children navigating fast-moving traffic at Lissivigeen National School, a growing school with outdated access, where safety can’t wait. Photo: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best

Boardwalk Coffee Killarney secures 48th place in prestigious European awards

There is great excitement in Killarney this week as Boardwalk Coffee Killarney has officially been ranked 48th Best Coffee Shop in Europe for 2026, following the prestigious Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala held in Brussels.
In a competition where over 5,300 coffee shops across Europe were evaluated, the Killarney outlet secured an outstanding place among the continent’s elite, putting both Killarney and Kerry firmly on the international coffee map.
The achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that Boardwalk Coffee Killarney is the only coffee shop in Munster to make the Top 100 list and is one of only nine coffee shops in Ireland to be recognised.
Adding to the success story, the Killarney branch only opened its doors in April 2025, making this international recognition all the more extraordinary in such a short space of time.
At the centre of the achievement is Jason Murphy, manager of the Killarney branch, who was recently named among the Top 12 Baristas in Ireland — recognition of his skill, dedication and passion for the craft.
Jason’s leadership, together with the strength of the wider Boardwalk Coffee team, has played a major role in securing the prestigious European ranking.
Located in the heart of Killarney, one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations, Boardwalk Coffee has quickly built a strong reputation for premium coffee, excellent service and a warm welcome for both locals and visitors alike.
Speaking after the announcement in Brussels, Boardwalk Coffee founder Ger Flanagan praised the Killarney team for their commitment and professionalism.
He paid special tribute to Jason Murphy and Vadym Zvarch, Head Roaster at Boardwalk Coffee, for helping build the brand’s growing reputation for quality.
The achievement has also been warmly welcomed by civic leaders, with Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, describing it as a major Irish success story and congratulating the entire team.
To be ranked 48th in Europe, and to be the only Munster coffee shop to achieve the honour, is a major milestone not only for Boardwalk Coffee, but for Killarney, Kerry and Irish hospitality.
It is another strong example of how Irish independent coffee culture continues to gain recognition on the world stage.