News
ELECTION: Calls for water fountain scheme to reduce plastic bottle use
There are calls to introduce a public drinking water fountain scheme it Killarney.
A new scheme was launched in Dublin this week by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD.
The aim of the scheme is to reduce plastic bottle use and provide widespread public access to drinking water.
€2 million in funding from the Circular Economy Fund will be made available for the rollout of public water infrastructure through Uisce Éireann, Local Authorities and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes.
Initially the scheme will focus on the installation of drinking fountains within public buildings, with future phases of the scheme to include the installation of drinking fountains in public outdoor spaces.
“Killarney needs water refill stations and these must be visible and signed,” said Green Party candidate Diarmaid Griffin.
“I welcome to roll out of water stations and that sustainability is being encouraged in a very tangible way,”
“The health and environmental impacts of bottled water are becoming clearer all the time. The local council needs to be the leaders in encouraging sustainability by installing these water stations and making them easy to find,”
“Killarney is a single use coffee cup free town thanks to a grassroots initiative. Now local government and central government must put their shoulder to the wheel.”
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 20.
Parishioners and members of the wider community are invited to attend a special anniversary Mass to mark the local milestone. The parish will welcome Bishop Ray Browne to lead the golden jubilee celebrations.
The anniversary Mass is scheduled for 7.30pm, and refreshments will be served for all attendees immediately afterward.
Picture Caption: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday 20th June. Photo: Sean Kelly
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.
Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th...
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May...
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