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Health risk concerns at asphalt plant

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A group of concerned locals have raised concerns over health risks from an asphalt plant in the Minish area

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The Clasheen Minish Action Group will meet at Lissivigeen National School on May 1.

They are concerned that odours from a Roadstone asphalt plan in the area are posing heath-risks.

In December 2022 the Environmental Protection Agency granted Roadstone an asphalt production licence despite widespread concerns by local groups including residents and organisations like Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation, Shehere Bog SAC and Killarney National Park Special Protection Area.
Since the plant opened there have being growing concerns that odours and emissions from the plant are causing health risks in the area.
Last October Kerry County Council held a meeting with the Health and Safety Executive’s Environmental officials from the Health and Public Health Department bit. So far, nothing has come out of that meeting.
“People in the locality have genuine health concerns regarding emissions and odour being emitted from the plant. Why have the HSE not taken ownership of this issue and conducted their own investigation as public health falls within their remit,” said a  local resident. 
“To date it would appear that KCC have had to deal with ongoing issues regarding the asphalt plant and odour on their own. It is clear from speaking with locals that complaints have been made to KCC, Environmental Health and EPA. The EPA are aware of the ongoing issues. Why are the EPA not involved in resolving the odour nuisance issue?”
The residents will also raise concerns on road safety issue due to the increase in the number of large trucks entering the site since the plant became operational.
The residents seek clarity on permitted vehicle movements in and out of the site/
“[We want to] confirm if road markings and signage were undertaken as per planning report” added Mr Murphy.
“[Regarding] the stacking of right turning HGV’s currently taking place on N22, will Transport Infrastructure Ireland undertake a junction review based on increased traffic volumes and their earlier concerns regarding intensification of a road junction during planning consultation stage?"

The Killarney Advertiser sought comment from both Kerry County Council and Roadstone but replies were not received at the time of going to press on Thursday evening.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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Killarney welcomes home Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin

Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was […]

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Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was crowned Irish Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady was on hand to officially welcome the new champion home, congratulating him on what he described as “a proud moment for Killarney and for Kerry sport.”
Cronin, who is sponsored by Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar, claimed the vacant national title after a hard-fought ten-round battle against Cork’s Cathal Crowley at the National Stadium, Dublin, on Friday night last.
The Kerry fighter won by majority decision, with the judges scoring the contest 95-94, 97-93 and 95-95. The result capped off years of dedication and hard work for Cronin, who now holds an 11-3-1 professional record.
Speaking at the homecoming, Cronin thanked his supporters and sponsors for their backing throughout his career.
“It’s unbelievable to bring this title to Kerry,” he said. “The support from home means everything. This one’s for everyone who’s been with me from the start.”
Crowds packed into Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar to celebrate the achievement, with music, photos and plenty of local pride on display.

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