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.”

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport