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Killarney hoteliers demand government action

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By Sean Moriarty

Hoteliers in Killarney say that the government has no plan when it comes to the future of International Protection applicants currently living in the town.

Hotel Killarney on Park Road is home to approximately 400 men, women and children of varying nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations.

Other hotels in town are home to a large Ukrainian community who are fleeing the war in their homeland.

Killarney also has at least three Direct Provision centres that have been accommodating International Protection applicants for close to 20 years.

However, problems have been on the rise since the arrival of the latest group International Protection applicants in October.

It began when Ukrainian families were asked to leave Hotel Killarney to make way for 400 new arrivals.

Thanks to local intervention, the Ukrainian families were allowed to stay and some of them were relocated to other hotels in the town as a temporary measure.

As a result, the 400 International Protection applicants took up residence in Killarney and since then there have been widespread reports of intimidation and harassment by a minority of these new residents in different locations across town.

A Killarney Municipal District meeting in November heard various complaints from councillors that locals were afraid to walk Park Road.

The situation reached boiling point on Sunday night when up to 20 people were involved in a mass brawl.

Hotels have three and six-month contracts with the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) which means hotels currently providing temporary accommodation will be faced with a dilemma once these contracts expire.

Bernadette Randles, chair of the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hoteliers Federation, is calling for the government to come up with a plan.

“The government need to make decisions, the three leaders [Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan] need to deal with this,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “What is the plan for the people, the people of Killarney, the people employed in tourism and those seeking International Protection?”

Ms Randles also confirmed that there was no foundation in a social media report circulating this week that the Killarney hoteliers had met and voted to not renew all Direct Provision contracts. There was "no such meeting", she said.

The majority of Killarney hotels are not contracted to provide International Protection services and remains open for tourism business.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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Triathlon Club launches Tuesday lake swim series

Killarney Triathlon Club has launched a new Tuesday evening swim series on the lakes, welcoming swimmers of all abilities. The weekly club swim takes place at 7PM at Dundag Beach […]

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Killarney Triathlon Club has launched a new Tuesday evening swim series on the lakes, welcoming swimmers of all abilities.

The weekly club swim takes place at 7PM at Dundag Beach and will run from June to September.
The series is designed to be a social and fitness-focused session. Staggered start times based on handicap levels will be implemented to ensure a competitive experience for all participants.
Caitriona Shanahan of Killarney Triathlon Club said: “Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, take on a new challenge, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a supportive community, dive in and join us. The event is suitable for all levels and safety first at all times.”
Those interested in swimming, volunteering, or learning more about the club are invited to attend the sessions at Dundag Beach on Tuesday evenings or contact the club for further information.

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