News
Killarney GP backs call for primary care Cabinet Minister
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Dr Gary Stack.
Above: Dr Gary Stack.
KILLARNEY GP Dr Gary Stack has backed calls for a primary care Cabinet Minister. The second of three public meetings on health reform took place last night hosted by the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP). The meeting successfully brought the general public, patient organisations, TDs, and healthcare professionals together to discuss health reform and a proposed 10-year consensus on health.
A panel of expert speakers on health volunteered their time to put forward their opinions and suggestions for a reform of healthcare in Ireland.
Taking place in the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel, Cork and chaired by Ms Susan Mitchell, Health Editor, Sunday Business Post, speakers included Dr Gary Stack, general practitioner, Killarney, and medical director of South Doc; Mr Kieran Ryan, chief executive of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP); and Dr Jennifer Carroll, consultant physician, Cork University Hospital.
All speakers agreed that change must be driven by GP-led primary care. A variety of speakers from the floor ensured a lively debate on the key issues with input from patients, healthcare professionals, TDs, and patient representative groups.
At the meeting, Dr Gary Stack called for a “Tallaght Strategy for Health” which would take the politics out of the national healthcare system and ensure a 10-year plan with consensus across healthcare providers. Such a consensus can only be achieved by involving all the political parties, representative bodies, patients and stakeholders, to create a plan for health that is independent of the electoral cycle and has a reasonable time frame to succeed. He backed the call for a Cabinet Minister for Primary Care which would be necessary to drive change.
The NAGP’s series of public meetings continue with a meeting in the Strand Hotel, Limerick at 7.30pm on Monday, April, 25. The general public, healthcare professionals, patient groups and stakeholders are urged to attend to put forward their opinions on health reform.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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