Taoiseach makes historic first visit to Beaufort schools

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin made a historic visit to St Francis Special School and St Mary’s of the Angels on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time a serving Taoiseach has visited either Beaufort facility.

The visit followed a recent Dáil invitation extended by Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who accompanied the Taoiseach alongside local Councillor Tommy Cahill. During the tour, the Taoiseach met with management, staff, residents, and families to observe the services firsthand and discuss operational challenges.
Both Michael and Tommy Cahill welcomed the visit, emphasizing the campus’s potential to become a super respite centre of excellence for children and adults with profound disabilities.
“This was a truly historic occasion,” Deputy Cahill said. “The Taoiseach had the opportunity to see the excellent facilities on the campus first-hand and, importantly, to hear directly about the challenges and concerns they face. There is huge potential here to further develop respite and enhanced services.”
Councillor Tommy Cahill added that the visit was a significant day for service users and staff. He confirmed ongoing engagement with government departments, St John of God, the HSE, and local stakeholders to ensure the site’s full potential is realised.

The severe accommodation pressures facing the local hospitality sector have been laid bare this week as Killarney Hotels Limited lodged a planning application for purpose-built staff housing at The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens in Beaufort.

As rental and sales properties across the Killarney region become increasingly difficult to source, providing on-site housing has become critical for recruiting and retaining hospitality workers.

The application submitted to Kerry County Council details plans for staff accommodation lodges arranged in two connected three-storey blocks around a central courtyard area.

Phase A of the development comprises 60 staff accommodation rooms and six common room areas, with an option for a Phase B expansion to add a further 18 rooms on the estate.

The proposed scheme also includes roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels, green roof systems, a single-storey gym building with attached bicycle and bin storage, staff car parking, landscaping, and connection to local utilities.

The planning submission comes following the announcement in May of a major €100 million redevelopment project at the hotel.

Works are underway to transform the existing five-star property into an even higher-spec luxury resort destination, scheduled to reopen in the second half of 2028.