Concerns over suicide prevention funding

Killarney councillor Marie Moloney has expressed serious concerns regarding mental health provision and localised suicide prevention services across South Kerry, following figures released at the Regional Health Forum South West this week.

Data provided by HSE Kerry Integrated Care Area Manager Julie O’Neill revealed that while overall mental health funding for Kerry grew from €40 million in 2024 to €52.1 million in 2026, targeted direct funding for suicide prevention dropped from €84,335 in 2024 to €74,558 in 2026.

In response to a motion raised by Cllr Moloney, the HSE confirmed that a countywide Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) is currently being established, with five full-time equivalent Crisis Intervention Nurse posts reconfigured from existing adult community mental health teams.

A Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) commenced duties recently, with a second appointee set to take up position shortly. The HSE confirmed that the Crisis Nurse for South Kerry is already in post, and a Consultant Psychiatrist is expected to be appointed by year-end.

However, Cllr Moloney highlighted regional inequities within the service, pointing out that the base for the new crisis team has been located in Tralee, despite high local demand and recent community concerns over male suicide rates in the Killarney region.

“While the appointment of dedicated crisis nurses is a welcome step, the actual direct funding for suicide prevention in the region shows a clear decline over the three-year period,” Cllr Moloney said.

Towers Hotel extends Killarney Historic Rally sponsorship to 2029

The future of the Killarney Historic Rally received a major boost this week as Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre confirmed an extension of its title sponsorship through 2029.

The hotel, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection enters its fourth year as title sponsor for the 2026 edition, with the new agreement securing long-term backing for Ireland’s premier historic motorsport fixture across the next three seasons.

This year’s event marks a milestone 30th anniversary for the rally, founded in 1996 by the late Maurice Nagle. His son, five-time World Rally Championship event winner and FIA Safety Delegate Paul Nagle, steps into the Clerk of the Course role for the anniversary running.
“I am very proud to continue the legacy my father started 30 years ago,” said Mr Nagle.
“Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre are ideal partners for this iconic event. Not just as accommodation partners, they have the required meeting and briefing room space across their properties and offer top entertainment venues in town like Pig’s Lane and The Laune Bar. I thank the O’Donoghue and Ring families for their continued support.”
Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection and Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre, Gemma Ring, commented:
“We are delighted to announce the extension of our partnership with the Killarney Historic Rally through to 2029. As proud title sponsor since 2023, we will continue our commitment for a further three years, playing our part in the next chapter of this much-loved Killarney tradition.
The Killarney Historic Rally is an important part of the fabric of the town, bringing a huge sense of excitement and energy to Killarney while attracting competitors, enthusiasts and visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Its impact reaches far beyond the rally itself, bringing significant footfall to hotels, restaurants, bars and local businesses and showcasing Killarney as a destination at a particularly vibrant time of year. For us as a family-run Killarney business, supporting events like the Historic Rally is about investing in the community we are part of and contributing to the vitality of the town.
We are incredibly proud to continue our association with Killarney & District Motor Club and to support the team as the rally enters its next chapter. We look forward to being part of many more successful rallies over the coming years and to continuing to celebrate this fantastic event, the people behind it and the community that makes it possible.”
The Killarney Historic Rally injects millions of euros into the local economy each November drawing thousands of spectators, crews, and international visitors to the town for the final major event on the Irish rallying calendar.