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Chamber welcomes two-year strategy for NPWS

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The President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has welcomed the new two-year strategic action plan for the restructuring of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Niall Kelleher said, the plan contains a number of positive initiatives and innovative proposals that will be of enormous benefit to Killarney National Park.

He said the plan, which follows detailed independent reviews, features a timeline to implement a number of recommendations to make the NPWS a more resilient and effective executive agency capable of meeting the many challenges of the 21st century.

“The NPWS has a crucial role to play in Killarney with a very complex range of responsibilities, including the implementing of policies, conservation, enforcement, licensing, biodiversity, scientific advice and planning. The protection, conservation and, following the recent wildfires, restoration of the park is imperative and for the challenges to be properly met, the NPWS needs to be adequately structured, staffed and equipped,” Mr Kelleher said.

He noted that, as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, have stressed, the comprehensive internal redesign of the NPWS will result in a much stronger focus on customer service, outcomes and delivery for the public as well as more structured engagement with NPWS stakeholders.

Mr Kelleher said the fact that there will be a substantial €55 million investment in the implementation of the new plan indicates the absolute importance the Government is affording to the development and protection of the National Parks.

“I particularly welcome the fact that 60 new full-time jobs will be created immediately in the NPWS with the recruitment of conservation rangers and general operatives. It is equally encouraging that there is a longer-term plan to double the 400 staff currently employed by the service to meet future Irish and European biodiversity targets,” he said.

The Government is determined to have more NPWS staff available to work closely with communities, farmers and other stakeholders and to be in a position to cater for rapidly expanding visitor numbers.

The Chamber President acknowledged that there has been a significant investment in the provision of additional car parking and enhancement of established trails and walkways in Killarney National Park in recent years. He said specific funding must also be provided for the management of the deer population and the control of invasive species, such as rhododendron, and to help improve biodiversity in the large area of the 26,000-acre park damaged by the devastating wildfires.

He added the provision of education and outreach programmes to heighten awareness around biodiversity and to promote sustainable tourism was also a key objective that must be met.

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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