Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae TD, has called for urgent action to amend Government proposals on short-term letting (STL), warning that current plans could severely damage the rural tourism sector.

Speaking on Tuesday as he opened the Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) Conference in Spanish Point, Co. Clare, Minister Healy-Rae highlighted his “deep concern” that the proposed regulations could “undo decades of good work and destroy viable family-run businesses.”
The Minister stressed the importance of the sector, noting that the self-catering industry provides over 40% of Ireland’s tourism beds, most of which are located in rural towns and villages, according to Fáilte Ireland.
Minister Healy-Rae specifically reiterated his strong opposition to the proposal that would require all STL operators to apply for full planning permission and would effectively block new permissions in towns with populations over 10,000.
“This one-size-fits-all approach makes no sense,” he stated. “Places like Killarney, Dungarvan, Ballina and Tramore will be hit hard and the reality is that these properties will not return to the long-term rental market. They were never part of it to begin with.”
“We have a housing crisis, but you are not the problem and neither are you the solution,” the Minister said, adding that the self-catering industry is “under-valued by politicians and the general public” and that there remains “a serious lack of awareness within government about the importance of this issue.”

The Rotary Club of Killarney has announced details of its 22nd Annual Wine and Art Night, which takes place on November 26, at the Great Southern Killarney.

The popular fundraiser, one of the longest-running events on the Killarney social calendar, is organised in partnership with Daly’s SuperValu, Cronin’s Cider and Killarney Credit Union.
This year’s proceeds will benefit a range of local schools and community organisations including Faha, Fossa, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane and St. Brendan’s College, as well as Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley AC, Killorglin Family Resource Centre and the Rise & Shine Trust (formerly the Irish Pilgrimage Trust).
Tickets, priced at €25, are available through these groups or at the door on the night. Doors open at 7.15pm, and all ticket holders will be entered into a draw for prizes sponsored by The Scally Collection, MD O’Shea’s, and O’Callaghan Town & Country Real Estate.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan said the event continues to thrive thanks to the ongoing support of local partners and the community.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who helps make this event possible, our Rotarians, our hosts at the Great Southern, and the many sponsors who come on board year after year,” she said. “Most of all, thank you to the people of Killarney who turn out in such large numbers to support us. Your generosity helps us make a real difference in our community.”
The event also offers a platform for local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work, with some taking part since the very first Wine and Art Night. A limited number of spaces remain available, and interested artists can contact killarneyrotarywineandart@gmail.com.
Among the pieces featured this year are works by artist Tetiana Teslyeva, along with a framed Kerry GAA jersey, kindly prepared by John Treloar of the Killarney Frame Shop, which will be included in the live auction.
The Kerry Stars will operate the cloakroom, the Rise & Shine Trust will host a raffle, and the Kerry Hospice Foundation will have Christmas cards for sale. Music on the night will be provided by Mike Neeson.

Rotary Club launches 22nd annual Wine and Art Night

The Rotary Club of Killarney has announced details of its 22nd Annual Wine and Art Night, which takes place on November 26, at the Great Southern Killarney.

The popular fundraiser, one of the longest-running events on the Killarney social calendar, is organised in partnership with Daly’s SuperValu, Cronin’s Cider and Killarney Credit Union.
This year’s proceeds will benefit a range of local schools and community organisations including Faha, Fossa, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Knockanes, Loughquittane and St. Brendan’s College, as well as Kerry Stars, Killarney Athletic AFC, Killarney Valley AC, Killorglin Family Resource Centre and the Rise & Shine Trust (formerly the Irish Pilgrimage Trust).
Tickets, priced at €25, are available through these groups or at the door on the night. Doors open at 7.15pm, and all ticket holders will be entered into a draw for prizes sponsored by The Scally Collection, MD O’Shea’s, and O’Callaghan Town & Country Real Estate.
Club President Sherry O’Callaghan said the event continues to thrive thanks to the ongoing support of local partners and the community.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who helps make this event possible, our Rotarians, our hosts at the Great Southern, and the many sponsors who come on board year after year,” she said. “Most of all, thank you to the people of Killarney who turn out in such large numbers to support us. Your generosity helps us make a real difference in our community.”
The event also offers a platform for local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work, with some taking part since the very first Wine and Art Night. A limited number of spaces remain available, and interested artists can contact killarneyrotarywineandart@gmail.com.
Among the pieces featured this year are works by artist Tetiana Teslyeva, along with a framed Kerry GAA jersey, kindly prepared by John Treloar of the Killarney Frame Shop, which will be included in the live auction.
The Kerry Stars will operate the cloakroom, the Rise & Shine Trust will host a raffle, and the Kerry Hospice Foundation will have Christmas cards for sale. Music on the night will be provided by Mike Neeson.