Taoiseach Simon Harris made a pre-local election visit to Killarney this week.

His town centre appearance was part of his whistlestop tour of the county ahead of next week’s polling day.
In Killarney, he was greeted by local Municipal District Fine Gael candidate Dermot Healy.

Members of the local branch of Fine Gael joined Mr Harris and Mr Healy in a town centre walkabout where locals and pupils from several Killarney schools flocked to meet the Taoiseach.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week Mr Healy said, “It was fantastic to welcome our Taoiseach Simon Harris to town last week along with local MEP Sean Kelly. We discussed a range of local issues including housing, healthcare, community services, local business and the importance of youth engagement, something I know Mr. Harris also feels very strongly about.

Discussing the issues he is hearing at the door over the past number of weeks, local businessman Dermot Healy said, “Housing is obviously a key issue. If elected, I will work towards long-term solutions but also focus on the attainable short-term ways we can alleviate the pressure on the local housing market. I am aware of a substantial amount of council houses that are currently unoccupied and in disrepair, we need to bring these back into use for renting purposes or sell them on the strict provision that they can only be bought by first-time buyers. I have also asked Minister Brendan Griffin to seek clarification from NPWS and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien as to how many properties are currently empty in the Killarney National Park. I believe there to be dozens and if this is the case these should be considered as viable options for addressing housing issues.”

Dermot has also been vocal on healthcare issues, and he believes that the district hospital, which is due to close later this year, should not be left idle when Killarney is crying out for a minor injuries facility.

“I have discussed the issue of healthcare facilities with Mr Harris on his visit and welcomed the work the government have done to deliver the new state-of-the-art facility close to the bypass but in the height of the summer, Killarney town is accommodating 30,000 people between locals and visitors. They shouldn’t have to travel long distances and wait in Mallow or Tralee for minor injuries, not when we have a facility that with a bit of T.L.C, can be made available.”

“Another project that must be reviewed is access between Killarney bus and train station. The two stations are 20 metres apart, yet it is ridiculous that we are asking the disabled and elderly people to travel 500 metres around the block to get between the two stations. A footbridge with wheelchair access must be looked at again. Traffic congestion and lack of parking is another issue and I believe that a walkover bridge would allow people to park in the Outlet Centre car park which has plenty of spaces. It’s not only about access to the train station but the bridge will invite more footfall through the shopping centre where we have added some fantastic retailers in recent years.'

Dermot, who is well known in rallying circles and for his volunteer work with the Killarney Chamber Festivals, is hopeful ahead of next week’s vote.

“It would be great to get the nod next week. Look, long before I ever put my name forward, I have been involved in promoting our town and regardless of whether I am elected or not next week, I will continue to do the same," he added.

Mr Harris also met European Parliament candidate Sean Kelly.
“It was a fantastic day on Friday with An Taoiseach Simon Harris, “ said Kelly. “I was proud to welcome him to beautiful Killarney where he received a warm reception ahead of important elections.”