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Frustrated business owners take to the streets in protest

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By Sean Moriarty

Over 50 town centre businesses - angered at the Government's indecision and continued delays over the reopening of indoor dining - staged a protest outside the Town Hall yesterday morning (Thursday).

Many feel their livelihoods and businesses are at risk as a result of the constant changing of dates - which has been pushed back until at least July 19.

It was initially hoped that restaurants and bars would be allowed reopen this coming Monday - but that could even be further delayed until after the August Bank Holiday weekend.

They were angered that hotels can serve meals indoors to residents, that their businesses and livelihoods are at risk and that Ireland is one of only two European countries that does not allow indoor dining.

The protest, which was a show of strength, was organised by Denis Murphy of Murphy-Brownes on High St. He said that it is Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan who is running the country and not the Government.

“The goalposts being constantly changed by "Taoiseach Tony" cannot be tolerated. We are out here today fighting for our livelihoods. I don’t begrudge any sector or business which has been allowed to open. We simply want a level playing field. It just feels like a long time ago since I’ve heard "we’re in this together", it’s just so frustrating,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

His business partner Deirdre Browne added “It is unbelievable that hotels are open for a month".

"We waited patiently only to be told, just a few days ago, that we can’t open. There is a lack of planning by the Government; we are losing stock, we are losing staff.”

The protest was also attended by allied trades, like food and beverage wholesalers and suppliers to the industry.

“Hotels can operate but we can’t, this does not make sense,” said Seamus O’Connell of Malarkey Restaurant on New St. “Civil Servants come and inspect my premises every year so there is no reason why they can't do the same in these times.”

PUBLICANS

Publicans are also angered by the decision as it was anticipated that indoor drinking would be allowed from Monday.

Jerome Corkery, who owns, but currently leases, Corkery’s Sports Bar on High St said that the current situation is leading to increased anti-social behaviour on the streets.

“You would have far less problems with street drinking. It would solve a lot of the Gardai’s problems, the majority of the trouble is because of off-licence drinking,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

Mark Treyvaud of Treyvaud’s Restaurant is also tired of the Government.

“The Government is spineless, they don’t stand up for the ordinary people,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have a family to provide for – it is as simple as that.”

Killarney Chamber issued a statement following the protest and plan to lobby Government officials in an effort to secure business supports into 2022.

“Killarney Chamber fully endorses the call for all businesses in the town to pull together and show support for those that have been left behind following the implementation of the latest public health policies,” said the statement.

“We fully appreciate and understand the enormous sense of disappointment experienced by those involved in the hospitality industry following the decision to defer the planned reopening of restaurants and public houses for indoor dining.

“It is having a devastating impact on their businesses, on their staff and on their families and the consequences for the economy and for those seeking meaningful employment opportunities are of great concern.”

Several politicians attended including TD Danny Healy-Rae, Cllrs Maura Healy-Rae, Niall Kelleher, Donal Grady and Mayor Marie Moloney.

“Many of these businesses have being paying rent throughout the pandemic and they can’t sustain it,” said Mayor Moloney. “This will break a lot of businesses.”

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ANNOYED: Robertro Taddei Sandroo Taddei Paola Taddei Dovile Velykiene and Leah McDonnell are annoyed with the Government’s decision to postpone indoor dining. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

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PROTEST: Clyde McDonnell Tim Hickey Paudie Spillane and Seamus O’Connell say they are not happy with the Government’s latest decision to delay indoor dining. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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