Connect with us

News

Aqua Dome to remain closed until next year

Published

on

0205754_10779-AQUA-DOME-DAY-EXTERIOR1.jpg

The Aqua Dome Tralee has decided to remain closed until Easter next year.

Today (Wednesday), the Directors of the popular facility announced that due to the continuing Government ban on indoor activities they will not now reopen in 2021 - and a new target date of Easter 2022 has been set.

Having previously announced that it would reopen on July 9, it subsequently became clear that this decision had to be overturned as the restrictions preventing indoor attractions, such as the Aqua Dome, from opening remain in force.

The Directors have been informed that this is as a result of the concern surrounding the spread of the Delta variant in the younger generation.

“The Aqua Dome makes a profit in the months of July and August and this subsidises the losses generated in the other 10 months of the year," Aqua Dome Chairman, Denis Reen, said.

"As we now will miss these months for the second year in a row, due to the Government restrictions, we have no alternative but to remain closed until Easter 2022. We sincerely hope that some semblance of normality will have returned by then.”

The Aqua Dome is one of Kerry’s most popular tourist attractions and a fantastic all-weather facility for Tralee, attracting around 130,000 visitors each year. The majority of those visitors come during the summer months when up to 40 people would be employed.

It first opened on May 14 1994 and has operated subsidy-free for over 25 years during which time it has been a vital contributor to the local economy in Kerry.

CEO of the Aqua Dome Tralee, Kieran Ruttledge, added that they “understand the disappointment that this decision may cause".

"We apologise to our many loyal members and supporters. However, the future of the Aqua Dome is of paramount importance and the economics would indicate that this is the best course of action to ensure its long-term viability.”

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport