Connect with us

News

Healy-Rae: Drink-driving bill will cause “isolation and loneliness”

Published

on

&

 

Kilgarvan TD Danny Healy-Rae has voiced his “disappointment” following the passing of a bill that will see an automatic disqualification for drivers on their first offence of driving while over the permitted 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The law currently states that a person with a full license who is caught driving with an alcohol level between 50mg and 80mg is liable to get three penalty points on their license and a €200 fine.

Healy-Rae also criticised Fianna Fáil for abstaining from Minister Shane Ross’ drink-driving bill, which was passed by a majority of 85 votes to eight in the Dáil.

In a statement, Healy-Rae condemned Fianna Fáil for removing themselves from the vote.

“I was amazed that the Fianna Fáil TD's abstained on the instruction of their leadership,” he said. “This will cause further isolation and loneliness to so many people in rural parts of Kerry, where we don't have access to public transport, i.e. Dart, Luas, buses, trains or even taxis.”

“There is no difference now between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. They seem to be more interested in the Dublin vote.”

He went on to thank Michael Collins, Clare Daly, Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael Lowry, Mattie McGrath and Mick Wallace who also opposed the new legislation. Meanwhile, Minister Ross was left red-faced when he mistakenly voted against his own bill before quickly acknowledging his mistake.

Healy-Rae has courted controversy with his outspoken views on this issue in the past, famously claiming that eating a big meal and getting behind the wheel of a car is as dangerous as drink-driving.

Advertisement

News

Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Published

on

Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Published

on

Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport