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Government “must upgrade infrastructure” for electric vehicles

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The Kerry chairman of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), David Randles, says the Government needs ‘to get up to speed’ if a new EU directive on electric cars is to work.

Earlier this week the EU voted to phase out the sale of any new international combustion engine cars by 2035.

That means in 12 years’ time it will be impossible to buy a new petrol or diesel engine car anywhere in the European Union.

Mr Randles, whose family have been involved in the Kerry motor industry for over one hundred years, has welcomed the news from a car sales and manufacturing point of view.

“Electric is the way forward,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“But it is up to the Government to provide the infrastructure and enough power. This can only work if everyone is up to speed.”

Meanwhile Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Cahill has renewed his call on the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Tourism to initiate a grant scheme, supporting the installation of Electric Vehicle chargers at hotels, guesthouses and other tourism sites.

“The prevalence of Electric Vehicles on our roads is increasing by the day as more people are encouraged to reduce their emissions to help the environment. Our network of EV chargers is small and long delays can occur when using them, even at present. When the expected rise in visitor numbers begins for the upcoming tourist season of 2023, we are not ready for a large increase in EV's requiring a daily charge,” said Cahill.

“If proprietors of all accommodation outlets were encouraged and financially supported to install EV chargers at their properties, this would be not alone attractive to potential guests, but would also be helpful in reaching our national target for emission reduction and at the same time would encourage more people to switch to Electric Vehicles.

“I am surprised that this initiative has not already been implemented as it is a quick fire way of increasing our EV charger network, which is woefully inadequate at present. I moved a Notice of Motion at a recent meeting of Kerry County Council in regard to this important matter and I was pleased to receive all party support to put pressure on the relevant departments to follow up on it.”

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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