News
Kerry Hoteliers upbeat for 2018
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Hotel and guesthouse owners in Kerry and across the country are reporting a good start to the year according to an industry survey undertaken by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) in advance of its 80th Annual Conference in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co Cavan. Most are forecasting an increase in business levels for 2018 with advance bookings up from domestic and key overseas markets, helping to offset the drop in bookings from the UK, Ireland’s largest market, where visitor numbers continue to fall. The high cost of doing business, including insurance, continues to be a major concern.
Seven in ten (72%) hoteliers say their overall business levels are up compared to this time last year, with a similar number (68%) reporting an increase in advance bookings for the remainder of the year. Business levels from the US look set to remain strong with over half of hoteliers surveyed reporting an increase in business from this market. Visitor numbers are up too from continental Europe with almost a third (32%) reporting an increase in business from Germany and nearly a quarter (23%) seeing a rise from France. Closer to home the domestic market remains buoyant with almost seven in ten (67%) of hoteliers seeing an increase in home-grown business. However, in contrast, the UK market remains a significant concern with over half (56%) of hoteliers reporting a drop in business from Great Britain compared to this time last year and almost four in ten seeing a drop from Northern Ireland.
Patrick O’Donoghue, Chair, Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation said that overall hoteliers are confident about the outlook for 2018, but not complacent. “The increase in business levels that we are seeing from key international markets and from within Ireland itself, following on from strong growth in recent years, gives us some confidence. However, the negative effect on visitor numbers from the weakened sterling and uncertainty over Brexit reminds us that we’re an island nation, dependent on the vagaries of other, larger economies, and there is never room for complacency,” he said. Tourism currently supports 11,900 jobs in Kerry and contributes some €508 million to the local economy annually.
“We operate in a price sensitive sector where we compete with the UK for overseas visitors. A sustained fall in sterling could have a negative effect on visitor numbers from other markets who may opt instead to go to the UK. Cost-competitiveness is critical. Government cannot influence the economic conditions affecting other countries but there is a wide policy range of measures within their control that can enhance competitiveness. The 9% VAT rate and zero travel tax, for example, have been hugely significant in underpinning the recovery of the tourism sector. However, more needs to be done to bring down the high costs that are stifling business in Ireland such as insurance, where the costs are now so high they are a significant concern for almost nine in ten hoteliers (88%),” he said.
Mr O’Donoghue added, “It is important that there is a continued commitment to enhancing and developing the experiences that we offer visitors - from at home and overseas. The hotel sector has an important role to play here and, as our member survey highlights, most hoteliers across the country are planning to invest in their properties this year – from expansion in some cases, to refurbishment, or investing in new technology to upgrade existing operational and guest services.
“But, it’s also about market diversification and reinvigorating our tourism brand, to create compelling offers that appeal to new markets while at the same time helping us to consolidate our market share in existing markets. More needs to be done, especially in regional tourism marketing. There are parts of the country like the Shannon Corridor, which have much to offer and with the right support they could expand Ireland’s tourism offering and greatly benefit the rural economy,” he added. According to the IHF survey, two thirds of hoteliers are already planning to increase their own marketing spend during 2018 in a bid to attract more visitors to their areas.
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy
By Eamonn Fitzgerald
Killarney won the overall national award as Ireland’s Tidiest town in 2011 and, since then, has consistently won gold medals and several category titles. In 2023, Killarney was Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.
The 2024 overall winner was Ballincollig on 386 marks, followed by Killarney on 384. We need a two-pointer, so let’s all pull together for that orange flag, as the judges are on the circuit for the 2026 awards.
Winning an All-Ireland title takes a lot of planning, commitment, dedication, and continuous work. That was needed to win the Sam Maguire in 2025. Now the race is on for Sam’s return. Killarney would also cherish winning the overall Tidiest Town in Ireland.
It is a huge challenge for Killarney with so many visitors swelling the resident population of 14,351. Recently, there was Bike Fest, two big games at Fitzgerald Stadium- the Munster football final, with an attendance of close to 33,000, and the Donegal game, which attracted over 22,000. If even 50 % of the people dropped one piece of litter, a wrapping, paper coffee cup, or plastic water bottle, the accumulated litter would be enormous. It is my custom to walk around Killarney, especially on the morning after a big event, but by 10.00 am on Monday mornings, the town is spic and span. All litter disappeared overnight. Magic?
No. Noel O’Leary had his Killarney Town Council staff working from dawn, complemented by Mick Gleeson’s volunteers from Killarney Looking Good. Such cooperation between the statutory body and volunteers is very rare indeed. We should not take it for granted but appreciate this cooperative effort to maintain Killarney as the Town we love so well, just like Phil Coulter appreciates his native Derry. Let us all row in, bring home your own litter or use the bins provided, and if you see a stray piece of litter, put it in the nearest bin. Teams win All-Irelands, not individuals. Let’s all do our bit: it will make a difference. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital
Confusion surrounds the opening date of the new 130-bed Killarney Community Nursing Unit, with a Dáil debate revealing that a previous end-of-June opening target is now dependent on resolving outstanding registration issues with the health watchdog, HIQA.
Speaking in the Dáil this week, Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae criticised the ongoing delays, stating that Kerry TDs were assured by local HSE management on May 29 that the facility would open before the end of June. However, county councillors at a HSE SouthWest Forum were informed a week later that this target would not be met.
“Who is calling the shots? Is it the HSE at national level? Is it the Minister?” Deputy Healy-Rae asked. “The lights have been on in the building since before Christmas and it was cleared to go. We are begging for this on our knees.”
He highlighted that the delay impacts 30 planned dementia-specific beds, as well as broader plans for a minor injuries unit and a primary care centre at the St Columbanus’s site.
Responding on behalf of the government, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor maintained that the HSE still expects the unit to open before the end of June, but confirmed the timeline depends entirely on HIQA registration.
“The HSE is engaging with HIQA regarding a small number of outstanding issues,” she said. “Once HIQA registration is granted, the HSE will set a date and move forward with the transfer of residents.”
Deputy Healy-Rae countered that the response was identical to information provided by the government a month ago. He questioned why staffing agreements and HIQA certifications were not finalised sooner, given the building was structurally completed last December.
INMO serves notice of industrial action
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has served notice of industrial action on HSE South West over proposed staffing levels at the new facility.
The union stated that its members are deeply dissatisfied with the proposed rosters, which they claim fall short of the staffing required to deliver safe care on day and night duties.
INMO Industrial Relations Executive Kathryn Courtney said there is a significant staffing gap compared to similar facilities, leaving members with no choice but to take action.
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy By Eamonn Fitzgerald Killarney won the overall national award as Ireland’s Tidiest...
HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital
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