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All weather pitches could be banned by the EU

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Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, has voiced his concerns over the European Commission's proposal to ban the use of microplastics in sports fields, cosmetics, and cleaning products.

While acknowledging the negative environmental impact of microplastics, Kelly emphasizes the need for a “balanced approach that considers the socio-economic consequences and the interests of sports in communities”.

The European Commission's proposal specifically targets the use of microplastics derived from old tyre as infill on artificial sports surfaces, including those used for football, hockey, GAA, and rugby training facilities.

The increased usage of old tyres in artificial turf can be attributed, in part, to the ban on landfilling scrap tires in the EU.

However, a ban on their use in sports pitches would pose challenges for the EU recycling industry, as the leftover rubber would not be easily absorbed.

“This would likely result in more tires being exported beyond the EU for incineration, leading to increased emissions and further environmental damage”, said Kelly.

Kelly acknowledged that microplastics pollution caused by artificial sports pitches is significantly less than that generated by the manufacturing and use of new tires on the road. He highlights that the proposed ban “would impact up to 2,500 artificial pitches in Ireland alone and tens of thousands of surfaces across the EU, affecting sports clubs, schools, communities, colleges, and universities.”

In Irish football, for instance, there are approximately 600 all-weather full-sized pitches attached to soccer clubs, along with thousands of smaller facilities in communities, schools, and colleges.

The cost of constructing a full-sized facility currently ranges from €400,000 to €600,000, a figure that would substantially increase if environmentally-friendly alternatives, such as coconut shell, hemp, or cork, were mandated.

However, these options may not be feasible or sustainable and may not be suitable for cooler climates.

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Anseo bus service carries 20,000 passengers in first four months

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The TFI Anseo bus service in Killarney has carried more than 20,000 passengers in its first four months of operation, according to figures released by the National Transport Authority in partnership with TFI Local Link Kerry.


The demand responsive service, which launched on August 11, has seen steady growth, reflecting strong local take up and increasing demand for sustainable transport options in the town.

In the run up to Christmas, the service reached another milestone when 2,023 passengers used Anseo in a single week, the highest weekly total since its introduction and the first time weekly usage passed the 2,000 mark.


To meet growing demand, operating hours were extended in early October. The service now runs from 6.30am to 11pm, seven days a week, providing greater flexibility for commuters, shoppers and visitors.


Edmund Betagh, TFI Local Link Programme Manager at the NTA, said the figures showed the service was making a real difference in Killarney and highlighted the community’s support for accessible and reliable public transport.


Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, said the extended hours had further improved accessibility and given people an additional transport option for daily travel.


TFI Anseo operates as a smart, app based service within a designated Killarney zone and is funded through the Government’s Climate Action Fund under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

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‘Old Shed Door’ photo wins Camera Club’s Unrestricted Competition

Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture. The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is […]

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Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture.

The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is ‘The Old Shed Door’ by Ade Desbrow.
Mr Desbrow captured his winning image unexpectedly just before demolishing an old shed at the bottom of his garden.
He was drawn to the shed’s old timber door, where an antique bolt provided the ideal subject, covered in dust, cobwebs, and years of weathering.
Award-winning photographer Vivian Buckley delivered this month’s critique, praising the winning shot for its quality. Mr. Buckley noted that the final photo displayed incredible clarity, detail, and sharpness. He also highlighted the perfect lighting and reflection from an old mirror beneath the door, which captured “every grain of wood and every delicate thread of cobweb”.

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