News
Killarney connectivity issues raised in Dáil
Concerns regarding a proposed footbridge connecting Killarney’s train and bus stations were again raised in Dáil Éireann this week by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, despite the Department of Transport stating last month that it was not a priority project.
During a Dáil debate on Wednesday, Deputy Healy-Rae highlighted the inconvenience for travellers.
"In Killarney, the train station is on one side of the railway platform. The bus station is on the other side of the rail track," he said.
"We looked for a connecting bridge so that people would not have to go out on the street and down by the Great Southern Killarney with bags and everything, but we were told there was no funding for that. I ask the Minister to look at this again."
Last month, the National Transport Authority (NTA) had designated the €5 million project a low priority, citing a need to address "acute accessibility deficiencies" at other stations and a "limited funding environment."
A 2019 Irish Rail review had identified a pedestrian bridge with lifts and steps as the preferred solution for the Killarney connection.
Deputy Healy-Rae also used the debate to call for improved rural bus links, acknowledging some recent enhancements to services (see side bar.
"We have more public transport at the present time," he said, citing the service from Kenmare through Kilgarvan to Killarney as an example.
However, he suggested that a medium-sized bus might be more suitable for that route than the current large one as well as the need for more bus stops.
"Maybe we could get more bus stops," he said, adding "it is not much good to have a bus passing by when people are waiting by the side of road who cannot be picked up because they are too far away from the bus stops, we have."
He called on the local authority to collaborate with the Department of Transport to provide these additional stops. Deputy Healy-Rae specifically mentioned that places like Clonkeen continue to experience difficulty accessing public transport.
The Killarney National Park Education Centre has announced the return of the ‘Step into Spring’ – Céim Isteach san Earrach festival for 2026. Running from Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12, the programme features a series of free events designed to celebrate the season of growth and rejuvenation within the park grounds.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with an illustrated talk on the woodlands of Killarney National Park by Chris Barron, followed by a nocturnal nature ramble led by the education team. Saturday’s highlights include the annual Dawn Chorus guided walk and bird ringing demonstration starting at 5:45 am in Knockreer Demesne, led by Ed Carty, Dr Killian Kelly of MTU, and the SWI bird ringers.
Historical and botanical walks are also scheduled throughout the weekend. Dr Tracy Collins, OPW Archaeologist, will lead guided tours of Muckross Abbey on Saturday and Innisfallen Island on Sunday. Other expert-led sessions include a look at the spring flowers of Muckross Peninsula with Dr Therese Higgins, a tour of the Muckross Arboretum with former Park Superintendent Cormac Foley, and a talk on Ireland’s National Seed Bank by Dr Darren Reidy.
The festival concludes on Sunday with a boat trip to Innisfallen Island and a “Reading the Landscape” walk through Knockreer Demesne with Horacio Presto of the NPWS. While all events are free of charge, organizers have noted that pre-booking is essential due to limited capacity.
Step into Spring Schedule 2026
DateTimeEventFriday 10th7:30 pmWoodlands of Killarney Talk (Chris Barron)
8:45 pmNocturnal Nature Ramble (KNP Team)
Saturday 11th5:45 amDawn Chorus & Bird Ringing (Knockreer)
11:00 amHistory of Muckross Abbey (Dr Tracy Collins)
11:30 amSpring Flowers of Muckross (Dr Therese Higgins)
2:30 pmMuckross Arboretum Walk (Cormac Foley)
7:30 pmIreland’s National Seed Bank Talk (Dr Darren Reidy)
Sunday 12th10:00 amHistory of Innisfallen Talk (Dr Tracy Collins)
1:30 pmInnisfallen Boat Trip & Guided Walk
2:00 pmReading the Landscape (Horacio Presto)
Soul legend Billy Ocean announced for Gleneagle Arena
Soul legend Billy Ocean announced for Gleneagle Arena Music icon Billy Ocean is set to perform at the Gleneagle Arena,...
Step into Spring weekend returns to Killarney National Park
The Killarney National Park Education Centre has announced the return of the ‘Step into Spring’ – Céim Isteach san Earrach...
St Brigid’s students attend Irish language events in Dublin
An Coiste Gaeilge represented the St Brigid’s school at national level twice this week in Dublin. On March 13, students attended a...
Cyclists urged to support Kerry Hospice in 2026 Ring of Kerry Cycle
The Kerry Hospice Foundation is appealing to cyclists taking part in the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose...
Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub
Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has gained Professional Golfers Association (PGA)...
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...
