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Coach industry needs to be included in overall tourism rescue plan
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Coach industry needs to be included in overall tourism rescue plan
By Sean Moriarty
A Killarney coach tour operator is calling on the government to provide more clarity on the rules that effect the sector so he can go about re-opening his business.
O’Callaghan Coaches, which is based in Rockfield, on the Tralee road, is one of Ireland’s longest established tour providers.
The family-run business has been in operation for 51 years and boss Phillip O’Callaghan is concerned about the future of the industry.
He says the government, which is trying to re-start the tourism industry, has overlooked coach providers in its plans. The government has outlined plans for the hotel and aviation industry but he says there is no point in bringing planeloads of tourists into the country and booking them into hotels if they cannot be transported from an airport to their destination.
“All elements of the industry need to work together,” he told the Killarney Advertiser, “The is no road map for re-starting our type of business.”
O’Callaghan provides a range of high-end packages for tourists, and every year invests heavily in acquiring new coaches and buses. Older buses are transferred to other parts of the business like schools runs or sports team transport.
“We have a big financial commitment and the industry needs help, without it could be catastrophic for coach operators,” added Mr O’Callaghan.
He is also worried about social distancing regulations on coaches and says operating to one-third of his capacity on each coach simply would not pay.
Meanwhile, Kerry TD Norma Foley says no measure should be off the table when it comes to grant-aid to restart our economy.
She was responding to queries from bus and coach companies concerned about their future following the impact of COVID-19 on their business.
“Social distancing guidelines have huge ramifications for the viability of bus and coach operators. Specific grant supports must be put in place to make these measures possible for operators to implement. In fact, a whole raft of supports must be urgently considered to support this sector including the possibility of setting up a Public Transport Recovery Task Force must also be examined,” she said.
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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