Connect with us

News

Killarney PCR test centre to open this week

Published

on

0218646_covid-19-pcr-test-barcelona-6780.jpg

It is hoped that Killarney will get its own ‘pop up’ PCR test centre before the end of this week.

With rising case numbers since the Christmas breaks, the Tralee centre, the only one in the county, has been experiencing long delays.

Two Kerry TDs have confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that a local test centre could open as soon as Tuesday morning, but as yet the location of the test centre has not been released.

The HSE has also confirmed that a Killarney test centre is under consideration. The HSE was unable to confirm the exact location of the centre on Monday morning but did say:
“This testing will be by only by appointment, and people will get appointments either by being referred through their GP or Public Health or by making appointments on the self-referral portal on HSE.ie.

Norma Foley confirmed that she was expecting details of the Killarney centre to be announced on Monday.

“I have spoken directly with Mr Michael Fitzgerald [Chief Officer Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare] regarding the issue of access to PCR testing in Kerry,” said Foley.

“Mr Fitzgerald has confirmed that it is the intention of the HSE to set up a pop up test centre in Killarney on Tuesday, January 11 manned by the National Ambulance Service subject to the availability of staff.”

Further details are expected to be confirmed by the HSE on (today) Monday.

Michael Healy-Rae said the some Kerry people who are on a long waiting list will be offered tests in Mallow or Cork City.

“I was contacted by the HSE South Group informing me they intend to open a pop up test centre in Killarney to deal with the backlog on Tuesday manned by National Ambulance Service if they have sufficient staff to do so,” he said.
“Some Kerry long-waiters are also being offered slots in the Mallow pop up test centre and airport centre in Cork which though not ideal travel wise but will help reduce the wait time.”

A HSE statement said:

“We continue to experience a very high level of demand for testing in this region, and this means that we have not been able to offer appointments for COVID-19 PCR tests as quickly as we would wish. We thank the public for their patience.

“We are doing everything we can to increase the number of appointments available. This includes using support from the National Ambulance Service to offer additional appointments through pop-up testing locations.

“We can confirm that we will be offering additional appointments in Kerry in the coming days thanks to the support of the National Ambulance Service.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow 

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]

Published

on

0253481_Meitheal_Failte_Ireland_3rd_Day3.jpg

Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.

Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event. 

Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.

The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.

Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.

Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.

“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said. 

Continue Reading

News

Outdoor dining area officially opens in town

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]

Published

on

0253574_killarney_outdoor_infrastructure_002.jpg

A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).

The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.

“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.

“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”

The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.

“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.

Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.

Continue Reading

LOCAL ADS

Last News

Advertisement

Sport

Trending