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Construction starts on outdoor dining but Jarveys not happy

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By Sean Moriarty

The much awaited €600,000 outdoor dining project for the town finally began construction this week - but not everyone is happy about its timing due to the start of the tourism season.

CHAOS: One Jarvey said that the construction work will cause traffic chaos during the summer months.

DANGER: Coach passengers were forced to join their tour in live traffic.

The Bord Fáilte funded scheme, part of the town’s response to COVID-19, will include a 620 square-metre outdoor dining area consisting of paving, landscaping, and lighting, of which 210 square-metres will be a covered dining area, was given the green light in September last year. It was hoped to have been fully completed last month at the very latest.

After months of planning, funding applications and a tender process, construction work finally began this week.

A new protective hoarding has been erected on Kenmare Place to prevent members of the public accidently walking into the construction site and to prevent construction material spilling on to public walkways.

As a result the roadway has become much narrower. The bus setdown area in Kenmare Place is no longer available and the number of Jarvey stands at the adjacent HaHa have been reduced.

While Jarveys are not opposed to the overall plan, they believe the timing of the project is wrong as the town prepares to enter its peak tourism season. However, one of the funding conditions for the public outdoor dining area is that construction must be completed by a certain date.

ACCIDENTS

Jarveys say that there is a health and safety issue as they have witnessed buses picking up and dropping off passengers from nearby hotels in live traffic. They have also seen a number of accidents – including a collision between two buses in the street since the hoarding went up earlier this week.

Apart from the reduced number of Jarvey stands, as a result of the narrower road, the jaunting car operators say they are losing business as potential customers cannot see the Jarvey stand at the other side of the black construction hoarding.

“We are not against this, the timing is wrong, anything that helps Killarney we are for it,” Jarvey Michael O’Grady told the Killarney Advertiser. “But they seem to have forgotten the céad míle fáilte in this case.”

The Jarveys also raised concerns about traffic and said that the noise of the construction works will frighten horses.

“There will be chaos here in the summer time,” added Jarvey Mike Griffin. “And if a horse shies we are in trouble again.”

His colleague Patrick O’Sullivan added that “buses are now loading in the Jarvey stand”.

Kenmare Place was selected for the scheme due its proximity to Killarney House and National Park, the recently developed ANAM Arts and Cultural building, Killarney Jarvey stand, Christ the King Monument and St Mary’s Church.

Kerry County Council said at the time of the grant application Kenmare Place was the most suitable location based on Fáilte Ireland criteria.

“This outdoor infrastructure area currently being constructed at Kenmare Place has been the subject of a statutory public consultation process which was widely publicised. Council staff have met with, and will continue to meet with, any groups, businesses or residents who have issues of concern while the works are taking place. The project commenced construction this week and the Council looks forward to its completion at the earliest opportunity,” a Council spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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