News
Kerry drivers face ‘scandalous’ wait for driving test
T
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.”
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage, meeting with Muckross House Research Library archivist Patricia O’Hare.
The couple are the great-great-grandchildren of Charles Herbert (1842-1891), the second son of Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour. Following their marriage in 1837, Colonel Herbert and Mary Balfour moved to Killarney and began construction on the current Muckross House, which was completed in 1843.
The family, which included children Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche, spent much of the Great Famine years in England. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife,...
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part...
Castlelough Bay hosts County Championship Regatta
Castlelough Bay hosts County Championship Regatta Castlelough Bay on Lough Leane played host to the first County Championship Regatta of...
Glenflesk brothers qualify for Community Games Finals
Glenflesk brothers qualify for Community Games Finals Three brothers from Glenflesk have qualified for the National Community Games Finals in...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
