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Calls for extra Bank Holiday to aid tourism recovery

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By Michelle Crean

A local tourism body is calling for an extra Bank Holiday this year to help the tourism industry to recover from the devastating impact of COVID-19.

Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF) is supporting the call from Brendan Griffin TD and Junior Minister for Tourism for an extra Bank Holiday this September.

As part of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce’s Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023, it was recommended to add an additional bank holiday to the year during the off-peak season. This would give the industry a well-needed boost following another detrimental year. As homegrown tourism continues to be vital to the Irish and the Kerry tourism sector the addition of an extra Bank Holiday in particular in September is vital to the industry not only for the current year but important for future years. With only one Bank Holiday between summer and Christmas, this will extend the domestic season for the country and the county of Kerry into September and has the power to increase the domestic season annually.

“The industry continues to face challenges, with Government business and employment supports being fundamental to the survival of tourism," Chairman of KTIF, Pat O’ Leary, said.

"The addition of an extra Bank Holiday, in particular in September, will deliver that extra much-needed lift for the industry not only in Kerry but nationwide. Kerry continues to plan for events on the basis that health advice will allow them to take place and the addition of the extra bank holiday will support such events including the planned Listowel Races for September.”

This is a time for innovative solutions with a view to recovering the current situation and progressing measures for the future of the industry in the county. As homegrown tourism continues to be vital to the Kerry tourism sector the addition of the extra Bank Holiday in September 2021 will be beneficial to the sector and the county as a whole, he added.

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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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