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Concerns over accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees

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A Kerry County Councillor has said that prior to the granting of licenses to open accommodation centres for the housing of asylum seekers/refugees, Kerry County Council, as the Planning Authority, should first be allowed view such applications prior to any decision being reached.

“The influx of large numbers into small rural towns and villages could have the effect of increasing the population by as much as 50 percent, in places where infrastructure and facilities are already sadly lacking,” Councillor Michael Cahill stated at a recent Municipal District meeting.

“Medical and childcare facilities, transport, employment, water and sewerage are very often totally inadequate for present population levels, and the Planning Authority should be allowed advise the Licensing Body of where improvements need to be made prior to any permissions being granted. The advice of the HSE should also be sought and strictly adhered to in advance of any future contracts being signed."

Already, in Kerry, there are six such facilities, seven prior to the wholly unsuitable centre being closed in Cahersiveen, he added.

“Also, the distribution of licenses as per the statistics, raises another issue. How is it six centres were issued with licenses in county Kerry, seven including Cahersiveen, while Dublin have only two. The breakdown shows 10 counties with one centre each, six counties with two and five with none at all. 22 of the 44 licenses were granted to applicants in five counties. 50 percent of the licenses granted to 19 percent of the counties. This is astonishing and it has led to a very real fear amongst communities throughout our county. It is obvious that Kerry has taken on comparatively more than its obligations in regard to providing accommodation for asylum seekers at this point.”

Following Councillor Cahill's proposal, it was unanimously agreed to write to the relative Government Departments in respect of the matter.

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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