Newly co-opted councillor Martin Grady will donate a portion of his Kerry County Council salary to the Kerry Cancer Support Group – Health Link bus service.

Grady replaced his father Donal on Kerry County Council and Killarney Municipal District earlier this month.

He will serve out the remainder of the current council’s term ahead of next summer local elections.

Grady, a member of the Killarney Fire and Rescue team is entitled to a wage, as are all other elected public representatives, for his work as a councillor.

He will donate a portion of his political wages to the Kerry Cancer Support Group’s Health Link bus service for the remainder of this term and if elected next summer will continue to do so.

Kerry Cancer Support Group Health Link Transport in run by a voluntary board and two paid employees.

Since its foundation 14 years ago the bus service has relied on voluntary dontations and fundraising efforts by local supporters.

“I want to give back to the people and the local community,” he said. “This is a great service to the people of Kerry. 75% of people diagnosed with cancer avail of this service , it’s up and running 14 years, it deserves ever bit of recognition and funding it gets to ensure it’s there into the future. With the rising running costs of fuel etc I felt I had to do something to help.”