News
Illegal parking prevents special needs bus from accessing cathedral
E
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
A specially adapted mini-bus, used for transporting people with mobility issues - was unable to gain access to St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday as a result of illegally parked cars on the school run.
Bus driver Patrick Clifford works as a care assistant for people with special needs.
On Friday last he wanted to bring three of his clients to visit the crib display at the cathedral.
His passengers were a man in his 70s that needs a zimmer frame to get around, a man in his 20s with Down Syndrome, and a man in his 50s with special needs.
On arrival at the entrance to the cathedral, he was unable to drive his mini-bus into the grounds as there were several cars parked across it.
“I asked one woman to move and she would not even roll down the window,” Mr Clifford told the Killarney Advertiser. “I had to walk past her, supporting the man in the zimmer frame and with the other two holding on to me. She just sat there and watched me do it. She must be very proud of what she does.”
Friday’s incident was just another in a series of issues related to illegal parking near the schools at New Road.
The street provides access to three secondary schools, two primary schools and one special needs facility – bringing an estimated 2,800 users to the area on a daily basis.
There has been several calls for the Gardai and Traffic Wardens to take action against illegally parked motorists in the area.
Last month the Council promised to change the rota of traffic wardens so they could monitor the area.
Other issues include cars parking on the footpath, forcing pedestrians and wheelchair users on to streets full of live traffic.
Last Thursday was also particularly bad with at least seven different cars parked on footpaths and double yellow lines at school pick-up time.
“It’s a disgrace - one was completely on the footpath,” he added. “It was just left there - they had abandoned it.”
Healy-Rae calls for discussion following Dublin attack
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae is back in Kerry following an assault in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon, calling for a “robust conversation on toxicity” directed towards public representatives.
Gardaí confirmed that officers from Kevin Street responded to an incident on Cork Street shortly after 4pm on September 16. A male motorist in his late 50s was approached and assaulted by a lone male while stopped in traffic.
The Kerry deputy was taken to Kevin Street Station and subsequently treated at St Vincent’s Hospital. His injuries were confirmed as non-life-threatening.
Following the incident, Deputy Healy-Rae thanked emergency services, hospital staff, and well-wishers across the country.
“Whatever the intention behind this attack, I will not be deterred from continuing my work or from representing the people of Kerry to the very best of my ability,” Healy-Rae stated.
“However, we do need to have a serious conversation about the growing toxicity directed towards politicians and public representatives. Disagreement and robust political debate are entirely legitimate, but personal abuse, intimidation and violence can never be accepted or normalised in a democratic society.”
He added: “I’m back in Kerry, I look forward to getting back to work in the coming days and trust the Gardaí will find the perpetrator and bring him to justice.”
A brand-new theatrical production has been added to the Christmas in Killarney festival line-up, bringing a major family attraction to the town throughout the winter season.
Titled Christmas in Killarney – The Show, the new production makes its debut at Killarney Racecourse. It runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday across the four weekends leading up to Christmas, offering a fresh entertainment experience alongside the town’s existing seasonal celebrations.
The narrative follows a story based locally, beginning when Santa’s sleigh crash-lands in Killarney during a routine test flight. With Santa missing, a search-and-rescue team of North Pole elves and their loyal reindeer Olive embark on a race against time to locate him before Christmas Eve. The journey takes the characters through recognisable local locations, including the streets of the town and Killarney National Park.
The stage production combines live acting, music, and comedy designed for audiences of all ages. The storyline concludes directly in time for the cast to join the weekly Magic Parade in the town centre each Saturday.
The addition expands the six-week festival schedule, which is managed by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and supported by Kerry County Council. The new show runs alongside returning attractions, including the weekly parades, Christmas markets, and seasonal dining events across local venues.
Organisers confirmed that tickets for Christmas in Killarney – The Show are available via the Killarney Racecourse website, with multiple showtimes scheduled across each weekend of the run.
Highlights of the upcoming six-week festival
The six-week Christmas in Killarney festival returns with a full schedule of street entertainment, markets, and family attractions across the town starting late November.
Ireland’s only weekly Christmas Magic Parades return to the town centre each Saturday from November 28, featuring festive floats, costumed characters, and street performers. Santa’s Holiday Residence opens at Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park from November 27 to December 23, offering family visits with Santa and his elves.
Local culinary event Dine in Killarney takes place across two evenings on November 19 and 26, with over 30 participating restaurants providing three-course seasonal menus. Old Market Lane hosts the town’s Christmas Markets, featuring handcrafted items and seasonal goods from local vendors. Killarney on Ice also returns to Beech Road from November 27 through January 10.
Autism friendly festival events
Organisers of Christmas in Killarney have confirmed a suite of accessibility measures to ensure festival events are inclusive for all visitors.
As an Autism Friendly Town, Killarney will feature designated quiet viewing areas along the routes for each of the weekly Saturday Magic Parades. Wheelchair accessible viewing platforms will also be installed at main gathering points throughout the festival grounds.
To assist families, visual and sensory guides detailing the environment and noise levels of key festival experiences will be provided on the festival website prior to the opening weekend.
Santa Grotto tickets go on sale
Tickets for Santa’s Holiday Residence at Golden Gate Lodge go on sale today, Friday, September 11, on the official festival website.
The experience runs from November 27 to December 23, featuring meetings with Santa’s elves, an official certificate, and a private family visit with Santa in his firelit sitting room. Advance booking is required through christmasinkillarney.com.
Festival Highlights at a glance
Weekly Magic Parades: Four parades take place each Saturday leading up to Christmas, starting November 28, featuring dazzling festive floats, characters, elves, and Santa.
Santa’s Grotto: Located at Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park from November 27 to December 23, complete with an official Nice List Certificate and firelit sitting room visit.
Dine in Killarney: Special three-course festive menus across more than 30 local restaurants on November 19 and 26.
Christmas Markets: Open-air cabins offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts at Old Market Lane, off Market Cross.
Killarney on Ice: Ice-skating rink operating at Beech Road from November 27 to January 10.
Santa’s Grotto tickets go on sale today
Tickets for Santa’s Holiday Residence at Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park go on sale today, Friday, September 11, via the official festival website.
Running from November 27 through December 23, the experience includes interactive visits with Santa’s elves, an official Nice List Certificate, and a private family meeting with Santa in his firelit sitting room.
Organisers advise advance booking due to high demand. Full ticket details for Santa’s Grotto, Christmas in Killarney – The Show, and Killarney on Ice can be accessed at christmasinkillarney.com.
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