Connect with us

News

Do we really need a second cinema?

Published

on

N

News that Killarney is to get a second cinema has caused quite a stir over the past couple of days with strong opinions on both sides of the divide. While some have welcomed the move, others have questioned the need of another cinema in a town of Killarney’s size.

The new five-screen cinema will be located on the site of the old Torc Great Southern Hotel on the Park Road, opposite Arshanavooley housing estate. The two-storey building will consist of 2,500 square metres, a restaurant spanning both floors and 200 parking spaces. It will be operated by Omniplex, the company behind the cinema in Tralee.

The largest screen will be a premium large format (PLF) screen with 301 seats. The second largest will have 115 seats and the remaining four will provide 95 seats each.

Kerry County Council initially refused planning for the new facility on the grounds that it would affect the tourism product and the night-time economy of the town. They also claimed it would lead to unsustainable single-car trips. An Bórd Pleanála subsequently overturned that decision, however, and it now appears as though the new development will be going ahead.

Announcing details of the development, the planning officer claimed the new cinema “would not seriously injure the amenities of the area”.

Generally speaking, the move has not been greeted positively by the people of Killarney. In a poll carried out on the Killarney Advertiser Facebook page, 64% of respondents said the new cinema was not a good idea (at time of going to print).

It certainly seems like a strange decision. We already have a good cinema in Killarney. Do we really need another? It’s great that a site which has been vacant for a long time is finally being put to use, but surely they could have thought of something a bit more original.

If nothing else, the new development lacks entrepreneurial spirit. Our readers have already suggested a number of more innovative amenities, such as a bowling alley, laser tag or indoor karting. What do you think? Let us know via our Facebook page or by emailing newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie

Facebook Poll 

A second five-screen cinema has been confirmed for Killarney, on the site of the old Torc Great Southern Hotel on Park Road. We want to hear your opinion... Is this a good idea?

Yes: 36%

No: 64%

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport