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10% levy on concrete blocks will affect us all

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By Sean Moriarty

Last week’s budget was fairly underwhelming for most ordinary workers and apart from the fuel concessions, it offered very little to most people.

But when a Government gives with one hand it takes away with the other.

The most alarming “new tax’ is the concrete block levy aimed to offset the cost of the Mica redress scheme.

Hold on one minute - why should the country pay for the unscrupulous actions of builders and quarry owners? Where is the insurance and bond scheme? But, just like the banks 15 years ago and the PMPA insurance bailout of around 25 years ago, we all have to pay while those closer to Government are not held accountable for their actions.

It is estimated that the 10% levy on concrete blocks will add between €2,000 and €4,000 to the cost of a new build. That is so unfair on any person toiling away in an effort to raise funds to buy or build a house.

This very selfish decision by the Government will affect us all not just nationally, but locally too.

Many of Killarney’s promised publicly funded projects got a lot more expensive overnight.

All three secondary schools and some primary schools are in line for extensions and it is ultimately the parents who will have to pay for this extra cost.

The much-promised Killarney Cycleway project will need a lot of concrete to complete it but nothing in comparison to the amount of cement products that will be required for the Farranfore to Killarney new road scheme - if it ever gets off the ground.

Don’t be surprised if many of these Government-supported projects get shelved because they will simply be too expensive to complete thanks to a Government-supported tax scheme. You could not make it up!

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HeartBeat’s expert talk on the science of sleep

HeartBeat Kil larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24. The event, held at the Parish […]

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HeartBeat Kil

larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24.
The event, held at the Parish Centre on Park Road, features guest speaker Dr Anna O’Sullivan, a Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE.
Following her previous popular sessions with the group, Dr O’Sullivan will return to provide a deep dive into the neuroscience of sleep.
The talk will explore why rest is a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being and how sleep requirements shift throughout various life stages, from childhood and the teenage years to parenthood, perimenopause, and older adulthood.
Attendees can expect practical advice on managing common sleep difficulties and strategies for improving sleep quality. Dr O’Sullivan will also outline simple self-care actions that can maintain or enhance long-term sleeping habits, as well as the long-term impacts of insufficient rest.
The meeting begins at 8:00 pm at the Parish Centre and is open to all members of the community. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, and the evening will conclude with light refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to chat.

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Parking plan for Muckross Rowing Club boat launch

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Muckross Rowing Club will host a landmark event on Sunday to officially launch and bless three new additions to its racing fleet.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the club’s boathouse at 2pm and represents a significant moment in the club’s long-standing history.


The club has issued an open invitation to all past and present members, as well as supporters, friends, and family, to join in the celebrations.

Following the formal blessing and naming of the boats, light refreshments will be served at the boathouse for all attendees.


For those planning to attend the event, parking will be situated at the Muckross House car park.


The club has requested that anyone requiring parking access closer to the boathouse make contact with a committee member in advance so that appropriate assistance and arrangements can be made.


The core of the celebration is the naming of the boats in honour of three of the club’s most distinguished athletes: Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan.


These three oarsmen achieved the ultimate success in the sport by representing Ireland at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.


Having started their journeys as Muckross juniors before rising through the international ranks, their legacy continues to be a major source of pride for the club as they are immortalised in the newest fleet.

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