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Former Pretty Polly site to be transformed into major educational facility

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By Michelle Crean

The former Pretty Polly site, which has been derelict for years, is to be transformed into a major state-of-the-art educational facility.

WELCOME NEWS: Education Minister Norma Foley has welcomed the news of today’s announcement that the green light has been given to milestone capital projects for Munster Technological University (MTU) and Kerry Education and Training Board’s College of the Future in Killarney.

LOCATION: Kerry TD Brendan Griffin with Minister Simon Harris at the Pretty Polly site in March.

Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) has this morning (Monday) received approval to proceed to the next stage in developing a College of The Future (COTF) in Killarney.

The project proposed involves overhauling an existing factory site, including the existing on-site buildings and transforming it into a state-of-the-art campus.

The intention is to transform the existing site into a state-of-the-art campus to develop a Centre of Excellence in Hospitality Training, a Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies and a Regional Centre of Excellence for Lifelong Learning.

The Killarney Campus will deliver training to 3,573 in the first year, 3,591 in year two and 3,609 in year three.

In addition, Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, has confirmed Munster Technological University (MTU) has been given the go ahead to proceed to the next phase for the Kerry Campus Learner Centre under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects (TSSPF) Fund.

“These are two significant developments furthering the development of education in County Kerry," Education Minister Norma Foley said.

"I want to thank my Cabinet colleague Minister Harris who has engaged with me in securing these projects and also acknowledge the vision and input of both Kerry ETB and the MTU. By advancing these ambitious projects we will ensure that the technological and further education and training sectors in Kerry have access to state-of-the-art facilities that will drive economic growth and social development, expand digital teaching and learning facilities and create and expand key centres of excellence.”

Kerry TD Brendan Griffin, who brought Minister Harris on-site there last March and organised a meeting between him and Kerry ETB and Killarney hoteliers in the Dromhall, also welcomed the positive news.

The CEO of Kerry ETB, Colm McEvoy said that the announcement is "welcome" following the assessment of our Strategic Assessment Report for this proposal.

"Kerry ETB is delighted to get approval to proceed to the next phase in this process and develop a formal business case," he said.

“We are determined to bring this project to reality and work will commence immediately on developing the business case. When completed this new campus in Killarney, which is fully aligned with the organisations commitment to supporting life-long learning, will provide a regional and national FET campus of excellence that will benefit thousands of learners and support local, regional and national development.

"I wish to thank the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and SOLAS for their continued support of our vision for the future of further education and training across County Kerry.”

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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