Connect with us

News

Mayor issues warning over National Park barbecues

Published

on

The Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, John O’Donoghue, has issued a stark reminder to the public that campfires and barbecues are strictly forbidden anywhere within Killarney National Park.

The warning follows a major wildfire at Five Mile Bridge on Tuesday evening, July 14, which required a massive coordinated response from emergency services to bring under control.
Councillor O’Donoghue urged both locals and visitors to respect the rules in place to protect the local environment.
"I would like to remind everyone that camp fires and BBQ's are strictly forbidden within the National Park," Cllr O’Donoghue said. "We are very lucky to have such a fabulous resource on our doorstep, and it is vital we do everything in our power to preserve it. Fires cause enormous damage to already fragile eco systems, so I plead with people to be respectful of our surroundings."
The Mayor praised the rapid intervention of the local fire crews and park staff, whose joint efforts prevented further devastation to the park's landscape.
"I would like to commend our excellent fire service, along with the NPWS staff who worked side by side to bring last evening's blaze in Killarney National Park under control," he added. "This was an excellent display of co-operation and both are to be highly commended for their efforts."
With warm, dry weather expected to persist over the coming days, the Mayor warned that the risk of further fires remains high. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and act responsibly.
"Given this extended dry period is to continue, I am asking the public to play their part and do not do anything which places themselves or others in danger," Cllr O'Donoghue said.

Advertisement

News

Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House

Published

on

By

Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House



Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.



Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.

In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”

The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.

“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.

To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.

The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Continue Reading

News

Chamber schedules future talks with Minister Foley

Published

on

By

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has agreed two further meetings for 2027 with Minister Norma Foley following a positive discussion on local infrastructure last week.

Executive committee members met with Minister Foley on Thursday, August 27, to present priority projects affecting Killarney and the wider region.


The discussion focused primarily on securing Urban Regeneration and Development Fund allocations for Killarney town center and advancing plans for the Kerry-Cork economic corridor link.


Minister Foley emphasized the need for local stakeholders, elected representatives, state agencies, and government departments to maintain a unified approach when seeking state backing for strategic regional developments.


Following the discussion, Minister Foley committed to closer communication with the chamber office, alongside two formal follow-up meetings scheduled for 2027 to monitor project progress and address ongoing commercial issues.


Chamber representatives welcomed the commitment to regular dialogue, noting that structured updates will help ensure key local infrastructure projects remain active on the government agenda.


Photo Caption
STRATEGIC TALKS: Members of the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Executive Committee who met with Minister Norma Foley to discuss URDF funding and regional infrastructure links for the town. Photo: Don MacMonagle.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport