Connect with us

News

Council interested in acquiring land at St Finan’s Hospital

Published

on

I

IT HAS dominated the landscape of Killarney since 1853 yet the imposing St Finan’s Hospital is now lying idle. News that Kerry County Council is in talks with the Health Service Executive about acquiring land at the former psychiatric hospital begs the question – what will be done with the this imposing Victorian building itself?

The potential of this centrally located and spacious facility must be harnessed for the good of the community and Killarney’s economy.

At the council’s recent monthly meeting, Kerry Independent Alliance Cllr Michael Gleeson asked the council to give an update on the Sir Thomas Deane-designed hospital and its lands.

Cllr Gleeson said the hospital should be kept in public ownership, suggesting it could be used for apartments for single people or elderly couples, or as a day-care centre for people with Alzheimer’s.

Part of the land could be used to solve the traffic crux at the Lewis Road/Killarney bypass unction while the site could also benefit Killarney’s recreational life, Cllr Gleeson told the council.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Michael Cahill has suggested that a tourism training college be located in the building.

Killarney Advertiser columnist Anne Lucey noted that the former hospital building would be ideal for use as a catering college. “I have long argued we need a hotel cum catering college in Killarney, a bit like a Swiss college of catering,” she wrote.

Kerry County Council has met with the HSE a number of times in relation to the availability of surplus HSE lands. The council received correspondence from the HSE about St Finan’s at the end of June, and the local authority has formally indicated a strategic interest in land at the campus. “There are very few who would wish to see the building transferred to private ownership,” said Cllr Gleeson, adding: “I do not want to see St Finan’s end up in private hands.”
 


 
Above: St Finan's Hospital. Picture: MacMonagle, Killarney

Advertisement

News

Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

Published

on

By

The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Continue Reading

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport