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Kerry drivers face ‘scandalous’ wait for driving test

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THERE has been a call for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to intervene to reduce waiting times for Kerry drivers in line for a driving test.

Kerry Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil has said that people are waiting inordinate amounts of time to access a driving test, and called on the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority stepped in to deliver a speedier and more efficient service.

The RSA, the national body charged with administering the driving test, states that the average wait time for a test at the Tralee Centre is 13.6 weeks. “However, this has been disputed by members of staff working in the centre who claim that the average wait time is now in excess of 27 weeks – well over six months,” said Deputy Brassil.

“This is a scandalous amount of time to be waiting just to get a driving test. This is affecting those who are paying crazy insurance prices, and who, if they pass their test, should see a reduction in their premiums.

“Even those who decide to go on the list for cancellations are being forced to wait up to 26 weeks – meaning that there is no hope of getting an ad hoc appointment quickly.”

Kerry is faring worse than most parts of the country, with certain counties having wait times of just 16 weeks. “The Department of Transport must step in and direct the RSA to increase the number of testers operating in the Tralee Test Centre to bring down the average waiting time,” said Deputy Brassil.

“I firmly believe that no one should be waiting longer than 12 weeks to secure a test time. It’s unfair and costing motorists with increased premiums.”

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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