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McDonald’s say they could close Drive Thru if traffic disruption persists

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A customers service agent working for McDonalds Restaurants has told a Killarney councillor that they “may determine it necessary to close Drive Thrus if there is local disruption.”

TRAFFIC: Scenes like this are common place at the entrance to McDonalds.

CONCERNS: Emergency vehicles cannot access the estate because to traffic issued at McDonalds.

For the third time in less than six months concerns have been raised over traffic congestion at fast food outlet.
Traffic at the popular fast food restaurant has increased as a result of the pandemic. Diners are encouraged to eat take away food and the indoor section of McDonalds remains closed.

Traffic, at certain times during the day, queues along Park Road, as the wait their turn at the drive through.

Once they are served, motorists then park on double yellow lines or on footpaths while they await their order or to eat their meal in the car.
The illegal parking is causing stress for locals who live in the large estate to the rear of the restaurant.

They are also concerned that emergency vehicles will not be able to gain access to the estate as a result of the inconsiderate parking.
At a recent meeting of Killarney Municipal District Meeting, Mayor Marie Moloney said: “This is not good enough, people cannot get into their own homes,” while Cllr John O’Donoghue added: “residents are prisoners in their own homes.”

Meanwhile Cllr Donal Grady contacted McDonalds directly. In correspondence seen by the Killarney Advertiser he was told: “We are working with Local Authorities and police and we may determine it necessary to close Drive Thrus if there is local disruption or puts the safety of our employees and customers at risk.” 

One proposal being put forward is to remove the lawn area at the front of the restaurant and to create a slip road in its place. The council also has plans to put extra road markings there.

“It is intended to extend and increase the visibility of road markings. The road lining contractor has been awarded the works and it is envisaged that the works would be completed by the end of January. Kerry County Council Traffic Wardens will monitor and if required, enforce for any illegal parking at this location. If illegal parking continues, Kerry County Council can look at alternative measures,” a council official told  a recent Killarney Municipal District meeting.

A McDonalds spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser: 
“We are aware of the wider traffic issues in the area and we’re keen to play an active role in addressing any problems. We strive to be a good neighbour and would welcome the opportunity to work with local agencies to help consider solutions.” 

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Ireland’s oldest citizen has Killarney connections

Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections. The previous record […]

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Ireland’s oldest woman met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this week.

Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on May 22 has strong Killarney connections.

The previous record was held by 107-year-old Nancy Stewart who died on September 10 2021.

Although born in Belfast, Máirín went to school in the Mercy Convent. Her father was a customs and excise officer and the family moved around a lot eventually coming to Killarney after spells in County Down and Dublin.

Her mother came from the Rathmore area and her father was from Newmarket in County Cork.

She attended the Mercy Convent and has, in previous interviews, recalled growing up on the shores of Lough Lein.

“Neighbours who had three children were given the job of taking me to school,” she said. “They were annoyed because the children were going to school for two or three years but I was put in to the same class as them – my mother had taught me.”

In 2021 she featured in the book ‘Independence Memories: A People’s Portrait of the Early Days of the Irish Nation’, sharing stories of being kept in school in Killarney during an attack on the RIC barracks down the road.

In 1924 she started a degree in science and a diploma in education at University College Cork, before working in the pathology lab in University College Cork’s Department of Medicine for 16 years.

last year she recalled her story on the podcast: ‘Living History – Irish Life and Lore’.

During the broadcast she talked about her parents’ membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, visiting the Basket Islands in 1929; and working in the UCC medical laboratory from 1932 until 1948.

This week President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities and Máirín was among the guests of honour.

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Philip is running over 100kms for Cancer charity

Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday. Phillip has already […]

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Local runner and charity fundraiser Philip Kissane is set for the biggest challenge of his career as he lines up for the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.

Phillip has already completed four half marathons at various locations around Killarney – all in aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group – or the Cancer Bus as it popularly called.

This is the second time that Phillip has run four half marathon and an official race for the charity.

Back in 2021 he finished with 5km Run Killarney event but his finishing race this time around is over eight times the distance at 42kms.

“We are delighted with Philip’s continued fundraising support but also with his awareness raising for the charity,” Breda Dyland, Service Manager Kerry Cancer Support Trust.

“We are getting busier all the time and still get no statutory funding so are dependent on fundraisers like Philip’s to keep us on the road. We have just put our new wheelchair accessible bus on the Cork route so Philip’s funding will be going towards the operation of this vehicle.”

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