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Linden House: Renewed criticism of ‘absence of communication’ from Department of Justice

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AS 14 ASYLUM SEEKERS move into Linden House in Killarney, two members of Kerry County Council have said they will be joining forces with the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI) to help ensure the new residents are supported and successfully integrated into the community. But the councillors, Cllrs Niall Kelleher, mayor of Killarney Municipal District, and Cllr John Joe Culloty told Killarney Advertiser this evening they were unhappy with the absence of communication from the Department of Justice with the community.

Cllr Kelleher and Cllr Culloty met with the owner and management of the facility today. “We met with them this afternoon to discuss all concerns which have been expressed to us over the past few days,” they stated.

“We are not happy with the process in which this matter was dealt with by the Department of Justice, especially the absence of any communication. We are addressing this with the Department and it is not a matter for the residents of Linden House. As elected representatives we felt it appropriate to visit the facility to get all the facts which we now have and can relay to the wider community."

They added: “We now have an open line of communication with the management of Linden House and they have committed to work with us and deal with any concerns into the future.”

There are currently two other asylum facilities in Killarney, one female-only residence and another family-only residence. This facility will be male-only, as it was previously, noted the councillors. It will cater for a maximum of 55 residents and will be staffed 24/7. “We queried the engagement with the relevant agencies and we can confirm that the gardaí and the community policing personal have already visited the facility and will liaise with the management, staff and residents on an ongoing bases,” added the councillors’ statement.

“The HSE and community welfare office are scheduled to visit tomorrow and met with all the residents.”

The management of Linden House work closely with the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI). “We will also be making contact with KASI to assist in every way possible to ensure the new residents are supported and successfully integrated into the community,” stated Cllrs Culloty and Kelleher.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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