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Calls to limit Carrauntoohil access during extreme weather

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By Sean Moriarty

Carrauntoohil and other popular mountaineering treks in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks should be deemed out of bounds during specific weather alerts.

That is according to Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Cahill who raised his concerns at a recent Kerry County Council meeting.

Earlier this month, 26 members of Kerry Mountain Rescue were tasked with helping several climbers off the mountain on a night of heavy snowfall.

“Hiking and mountain climbing are enjoyed by many as a healthy outdoor adventure and are fantastic experiences. However, like in anything there are inherent dangers, where injuries may be sustained or lives lost unfortunately. Kerry Mountain Rescue are an amazing gathering of dedicated, highly trained individuals, who regularly put their lives on the line for people in danger on our mountains," he said.

"I believe that when severe weather alerts are in place by Met Éireann, places like Carrauntoohil should not be open to visitors who are putting, not alone their own lives in danger, but also the lives of our rescuers,” Councillor Cahill told the meeting. It is quite understandable that you could set out in good weather conditions and all of a sudden a major change could occur putting you and your friends in danger. But there are also people who set out knowing well that there are adverse conditions from Met Éireann warnings and yet they persevere with their trip, putting lives in danger.

"This is a form of negligence on their part and to ensure the maximum safety, we need to have a protocol in place, advising no access is allowed to these places, such as Carrauntoohil, during specific weather alerts.”

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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