News
“Government is failing Lymes disease sufferers” – councillor claims

By Michelle Crean
A local councillor has been left angered by the Health Minister's comments claiming there was no need for people to travel abroad for Lymes Disease testing or treatment.
In a letter to Kerry County Council in March, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, said that “there is no need for Irish residents to travel to other countries for diagnosis or treatment”.
However, his words have hit a sour note with Killarney Municipal District councillor Maura Healy Rae who has called on the Council at its meeting last week to write to the Minister asking if the current testing in Ireland at present can diagnose chronic Lyme Disease.
The Independent councillor, who has been actively campaigning for support especially for chronic cases of the disease, said his remarks have angered Lymes sufferers, many who have had no option but to go abroad to seek help.
One such case is St Brendan's College teacher Karin O'Shea who lives in Kilgarvan who raised over €66,000 via GoFundMe to help pay for her vital life-changing treatment in Germany.
"The Minister’s response has not only angered Lymes sufferers, their family and friends who are most aware of their debilitating symptoms, it also displays either a lack of understanding of chronic Lymes Disease on the Minister’s part or a refusal on the part of the Department of Health to acknowledge the inadequacies in relation to diagnosis and treatment offered to Lymes sufferers in this country," Cllr Maura Healy Rae said.
"The testing in Ireland currently, is able to diagnose those who have been recently infected but not those who have become infected over a long period of time. The Irish tests test for antibodies. People with chronic Lymes Disease have suppressed immune systems; their bodies often won’t produce any antibodies, therefore the test will show up negative for Lymes. This explains why so many people have been misdiagnosed with other diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, and Fibromyalgia."
The German tests - which costs €1,000, with intensive treatment in the region of €40,000 and the post treatment medication €500 a month - test the cells for the presence or previous presence of Lymes and therefore, is a more effective test, she added.
"The treatment currently available in Ireland is in antibiotic form and is effective for those who have been recently infected and before the disease has taken chronic hold. The intensive treatment needed for chronic Lymes sufferers is not available in Ireland.
"Really and truly, why does the Minister think any person would subject themselves to such intensive treatment at such an enormous cost abroad if they didn’t believe it to be necessary and critical to them in having any quality of life and to tackle their severe symptoms? In my view, the Minister’s response shows immense arrogance as it implies he knows better than a sufferer of Lymes."
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.