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Killarney student named ‘Young Economist of the Year’

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ECONOMICS AWARD: Tom Knocblauch winner of the overall Junior Category at the 'Young Economist of the Year' pictured with Business Teacher Eimear Buckley and Acting Principal Hugh Rudden at St Brendan’s College. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

By Michelle Crean

A St Brendan’s College student this week received an award after winning the overall Junior Category at the 'Young Economist of the Year' with a project entitled “Can Economics Help to Save the World?”

The ‘Young Economist of the Year’, won by Tom Knoblauch, is an economics competition for secondary school students across the island of Ireland. The competition is run in conjunction with the Professional Development Service for Teachers. YEOTY, as it has become affectionately known, is now in its seventh year and is developing into a significant national awards event for the enjoyment and promotion of economics. Commencing in 2013, the initiative has grown from strength to strength with an increasing number of participants. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions it was a virtual ceremony, which featured both the Minister for Finance Paschal Donoghue, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Gabriel Makhlouf, as guest speakers.

RESEARCH

Tom chose to research a topic that was of both interest to him, and relevant to his generation.

"Increasingly we see the impact of man’s interference on our planet at a macro level through examples such as the massive fires in California and numerous major floods, and I sought to understand how this relates to my life at a micro level, both in its impact and in my ability to influence it," Tom said.

Tom’s project looked at the approach the Government is taking, in particular in relation to cutting CO2 emissions and identified some pitfalls. He made some recommendations on how the Government could make a stand in taking the current critical position forward. This approach will not single handedly solve the current environmental crisis that is beginning to unfold, but it will make a material start in ensuring that this planet can be enjoyed by children for generations to come.

“Tom worked really hard in completing this project, I am delighted for Tom to receive such a prestigious award," his Business Teacher Eimear Buckley said.

 

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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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.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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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.

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