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A tale of two towns – why are Killarney’s projects put on the long-finger?

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STANDSTILL: Our 2017 design show the site's potential but there is still no movement on what will happen with the Áras Phádraig.

 

 

It seems the powers that be are putting projects in Killarney on the long-finger while similar ideas in other towns get pushed through at a much faster rate.

In the first of a two-part series, the Killarney Advertiser’s Sean Moriarty exposes why this town is left floundering as other towns push ahead and reap the rewards.

In Part One we look at how substantial land donations by two very different institutions, one unique to Killarney and the other, a global business giant based in Tralee, had polar opposite outcomes.

The Áras Phádraig on the Lewis Road, a former popular community centre has been idle since May 2009 when the Franciscan Brothers transferred ownership of the facility to the municipal council.

Five years later, Kerry Group, the global food giant with its world headquarters in Tralee, donated its former Denny’s Meat factory site at the Island of Geese in the town centre to its home town.

At the latest meeting of Killarney Municipal Council, the elected members were told: “Kerry County Council has appointed Reddy A&U Architects to prepare a development plan for the Áras Phádraig site and adjoining car park. A number of options are being considered for the development. An economic and financial Cost Benefit Analysis is being carried out on each of these options in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code”.

Meanwhile, in Tralee, last February Kerry County Council and the Tralee Municipal District unveiled plans for the Island of Geese site including a three-storey office block; a large park and public realm area featuring a children's play area; public seating and an amphitheatre with curved seating.

Elected members of Tralee Municipal District approved these plans in early July. Tralee is pushing on with its plans to redevelop a donated site. Killarney is still in the “development plan stage” despite having a five year head start over the county town.

In fairness, the Áras Phádraig site hit a legal hitch connected with the charity status of either the donator or the receiver - but surely Tralee hit similar snags along the way?

It took until 2017 before the legal hitch could be overcome in Killarney, but three years down the road we are still no closer to getting this important facility, which is fast becoming an eyesore, off the ground. Three years ago, the design team at the Killarney Advertiser came up with our own concept – so why is this project so far away from being even started, not to mind finished?

It took Tralee less than six years to get from the point of receiving the donation to approving plans.

Nearly 12 years on, and Killarney remains in the planning stages and we are asking whose responsibility is this and who is going to step up and make this happen now and not dilly-dally for God knows how long more.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What is your Killarney view? Email sean@killarneyadvertiser.ie.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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