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Calls for more Killarney businesses to support foodbank charity

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DELIVERING FOOD: Food Share Kerry's van driver and warehouse coordinator Brian McCannon prepares a delivery for Killarney on Tuesday.

By Sean Moriarty

A Tralee-based surplus food distribution charity - which has experienced unprecedented demand for its service in recent weeks - is calling on more Killarney based businesses to support its scheme during the current crisis.

Food Share Kerry, who act as a foodbank and supply depot where the food products are stored, sorted, graded and distributed to frontline agencies such as Ballyspillane Family Resource Centre and the Killarney branch of St Vincent de Paul, provides a link between producers of surplus food and charities that specialise in combating food poverty.

However, although it's experiencing a three fold rise in its service due to the increase in the number of people needing help - this has been hindered by the number of hotels and cafes that are now closed - which would usually donate excess food.

Fundraising efforts like street collections are also no longer possible because of COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

Depot manager, Courtney Sheehy, says demand has increased but the lack of donations is widening the gap every day.

The only retail outlets in Killarney currently supporting the scheme are the two Dealz branches on High Street and at Deerpark Shopping Centre, and she is appealing for more local outlets to get involved.

“Without the support we are not able to meet the demand,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “People have lost their jobs or they are cocooning and they need us more than ever. We coordinate food distribution in Tralee and run regular deliveries to Killarney where we hand over to groups on the ground who will have a better understanding of what is needed and where in their community, but we need to bridge the gap between donations and what we distribute."

Food Share Kerry has set up a fundraiser with a €2,000 goal via GoFundMe: COVID-19 Response: We need your support!

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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