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Barraduff man keeping essential services flowing during health crisis

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By Michelle Crean

Kerry’s water services remain flowing with Kerry County Council’s County Supervisor of Water Services, Freddie Bartlett, at the helm during the health crisis.

The Barraduff man joined Kerry County Council 46 years ago and has been County Supervisor for many years. Working in partnership with Irish Water, Freddie and his crews in KCC work to maintain water services 24-7, 365 days a year.
In these unprecedented times, Freddie and his team continue to maintain water services across the county, ensuring that water and wastewater are treated to the highest standards to protect public health and the environment. They also make sure that any unplanned pipe bursts are repaired as quickly as possible, so that water supply is returned and the impact on customers is kept to a minimum.
Freddie’s role is always busy: scheduling work and monitoring the countywide SCADA (network/plant information) systems.
“I can honestly say that I like my job; it is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week job,” Freddie said.
“You always have to be available at the other end of the phone. I work with great crews and conscientious caretakers and know that I can depend on them. We all take great pride in what we do.”

There are additional challenges during the current health crisis, he added.
Crews have to continue to work together to maintain essential services, but also adhere to social distancing guidelines. There has been a big change to work practices, but it is all going very well so far.”

Freddie says that both plant and network caretakers deserve huge credit for adapting to new ways of working during the current health crisis.

“Caretakers would normally call to customers’ properties to investigate issues such as water quality. To adapt to the COVID-19 restrictions, they are now engaging more with customers over the phone and taking samples from nearby publicly accessible areas, such as fire hydrants so that they can continue to provide an essential service without having to go into peoples’ homes.”
As there has been very little rain in recent weeks, water levels in rivers and lakes are equivalent to levels typically encountered in June. Irish Water and Kerry County Council are monitoring the situation closely at this time.
Freddie’s team has noticed an increase in sewer blockages, in particular at pumping stations on the wastewater network.

“We would appeal to the public not to flush unsuitable items, in particular wipes down the toilet, as they cause a lot of damage to the wastewater networks across the county. We are noticing an increase in call outs to unblock drains, particularly in towns and housing estates.”

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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