Connect with us

News

Local Link provides bus services to over 90 Kerry locations

Published

on

0242160_Screenshot_2022-10-26_at_141027_copy.jpg

With a wide range of high frequency Regular Rural and Door-to-Door Bus Services to choose from, you can hop on board anywhere as TFI Local Link Kerry covers the length and breadth of the Kingdom.

TFI Local Link Kerry has 20 years’ experience and expertise in the coordination and delivery of public and community transport services in Kerry and operate on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland network.

New Bus Services

TFI Local Link Kerry recently commenced a new five day a week service; the R79 Ballinskelligs – Caherciveen – Kells – Glenbeigh – Killorglin – Milltown – Castlemaine – Tralee. This caters for students, workers or passengers wishing to arrive into Tralee before 9am and return home after 5pm with stops in Tralee at University Hospital Kerry (UHK), MTU South and North Campus, Kerry College Clash and Denny Street as well as Casement Bus Station. Full details can be found on www.locallinkkerry.ie/r79.

TFI Local Link Kerry are currently working with the National Transport Authority designing new bus routes under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority, with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns.

“It is a very positive time to be involved in public transport," TFI Local Link Kerry General Manager, Alan O’Connell said.

"There are some exciting public transport developments on the horizon for the county through the Connecting Ireland plan. I can safely say that these new routes will be transformative and will provide access for people with jobs, education, training, healthcare, shopping, recreation and tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and well-being of people in the community.”

Fare Reductions

In May, public transport services saw a reduction in the cost of fares of an average of 20% as well as a 50% saving for students and it has been confirmed by Government that these savings will continue for 2023.

TFI GO App

On top of the price savings listed, TFI Local Link Kerry have introduced the TFI GO App, where you can now buy your tickets for certain TFI Local Link Kerry scheduled services online and receive a 30% discount on the cash price. Your ticket is downloaded to the App and can be used to travel straight away. No need for printing, just activate before each journey and show your driver while boarding.

LEAP Card

TFI Local Link Kerry are also delighted to announce that they will also be accepting the LEAP Card on specific high frequency services before the end of the year.

“We would encourage passengers to make the most of our public transport system. Public transport is not only an environmentally friendly option but also socially inclusive and can be a cheaper way to travel,” Alan added.

For more information, please visit www.locallinkkerry.ie/timetables or call the office on 066 7147002.

Advertisement

News

Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

Published

on

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

Continue Reading

News

Cardiac Response Unit’s ‘Restart a Heart’ training event

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates […]

Published

on

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) is set to run a range of events as part of the global initiative Restart A Heart, which aims to increase awareness and actual rates of bystander CPR worldwide.

The main event, titled RAH 2025, invites the public to learn life-saving skills and the basic steps in the chain of survival. This will take place on Saturday, October 18, at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Members of the public are encouraged to join KCRU at the centre between 10:00 am and 5pm.
Key feature of the day will be the CPR Competition, offering “fantastic prizes to be won.”
For further information, visit www.killarneycru.ie/rah25

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport