The consultant psychiatrist who blew the whistle on the South Kerry CAMHS scandal, Dr Maya Sharma, is officially opening a new private children’s assessment clinic in Killarney town centre.

The development follows reports in the Killarney Advertiser in May that Dr Sharma was seeking a return to Kerry. The clinic is now confirmed to open within the next two months after suitable town centre premises were successfully secured. The facility will provide a range of specialist assessment services for children, giving local families an alternative option within the county to bypass long public waiting lists. Dr Sharma previously exposed the over-medication and inappropriate treatment of young patients within the South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Her disclosures led to a major state investigation which revealed hundreds of vulnerable children had been harmed or put at risk by unsafe clinical practices. Councillor Martin Grady, who assisted in finding the town centre location, welcomed the finalisation of the plans and praised Dr Sharma’s bravery and dedication. “I am absolutely delighted that we were able to work together to secure suitable premises for Dr Sharma here in Killarney,” Cllr Grady said. “She is a tremendous asset to our town and to County Kerry. The work she has carried out over the years has made a real difference to so many children and families. Personally, I want to sincerely thank Dr Sharma for her bravery and honesty in coming forward and speaking the truth for the betterment and protection of vulnerable young people receiving treatment. Her actions required immense courage, and many families throughout Kerry and beyond recognise the importance of what she did.” Cllr Grady noted that Dr Sharma has a strong personal connection to the area, particularly her love for the local National Park, and is eager to begin practicing in Killarney again. “There are massive waiting times for children requiring assessments through the public system,” Cllr Grady added. “While this private clinic won’t replace public services, it will provide families with another option and will greatly increase local capacity. We are fortunate to have someone of Dr Sharma’s calibre choosing to establish her practice here.”

Killarney Executive Tour Co. officially launched its new eco-friendly Hop On Hop Off Red Bus at Ross Castle last week.

Unlike standard double-decker buses, this new single-decker vehicle is low enough to travel through the Killarney National Park without damaging overhanging trees or bird nests.
Additionally, the design allows for standing passengers, which was not possible on the previous double-decker model.
To achieve this, the company worked alongside Transport for Ireland to establish a dedicated public transport route within the park, marking a first for the area.
The service now functions as both a hop-on, hop-off tourist route and a practical transport option for locals, who can use the bus to travel between specific pickup and drop-off points along the way.
Pat Moynihan, founder and manager of the tour, spoke about the growth of the service since 2014.
“We started this service in 2014 on a wing and a prayer, but thanks to the steadfast support of Kerry County Council, local councillors, the National Park, and the tourist office, it has grown into a vital community asset,” Moynihan said. “Partnering with Philip O’Callaghan during COVID was a natural fit, as proud Killarney natives, we shared a vision for a service that mirrors the ethos and conservation values of the National Park. By introducing this compact, low-emission bus, we are reducing emissions by over 90% and minimising our environmental footprint. We are incredibly proud to offer a sustainable, accessible transport link that now allows local residents, including older generations, and tourists alike to experience the beauty of the National Park with near-zero impact.”
Philip O’Callaghan also welcomed the new sustainable transport option for the area.
“I am incredibly proud to stand here today as we introduce a significantly more sustainable transport option for anyone wishing to experience the heart of our beautiful National Park,” O’Callaghan said. “This launch marks a major milestone in eco-tourism for the area, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. The continued support of the National Park, Kerry County Council members, Fáilte Ireland, and the Tourist Information Centre has been fantastic. Together, we are ensuring that Killarney remains at the forefront of green, accessible tourism.”
The launch event was attended by local councillors and tourism industry representatives, with hospitality provided by the Ross Castle Garden Cafe. More details on the service can be found at killarneytour.com.