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New local hackney pilot scheme for Glencar

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A new subsidised local hackney service is to be provided in Glencar as well as 20 other rural locations where no current full-time service exists.

The one year pilot programme was announced today (Monday) by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, alongside the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The Local Hackney Pilot is a grant aided programme, which is designed to encourage new part-time local hackney services to operate in communities which could not support a full-time taxi or hackney operation.

Applications to take part in the pilot programme can be made at localhackney.ie.

The pilot programme will roll out across 21 rural areas, stretching from Donegal to Cork, for one year. All drivers will be licenced, insured and Garda vetted and will be able to pick people up from their doors to drop them to where they want to go, providing that essential “last mile” connection for people living in more isolated and rural areas.

“One of our key priorities in transport is to improve connectivity across rural Ireland in particular, not just in towns, but in the areas around those towns where so many people live and farm," Minister Eamon Ryan said.

"This pilot responds to the reality of rural life in Ireland, in a creative and local-based way, connecting people from their doors to local towns, healthcare centres, the post-offices, or onto other transport stops and hubs.”

Each successful applicant for the local hackney license may be granted €6,000 as a subsidy to ordinary fares income, to run the service. This grant is designed to contribute towards the fixed costs associated with providing this service. It is payable by NTA over one year, in equal monthly instalments, where the service provider can show that the services are being used and the local hackney service is of benefit to the community.

The local hackney, which exclusively operates on a pre-booked basis, may only pick up passengers within a designated area of seven to 10km from a chosen point, normally the residence of the licenced driver. The drop off point has no restrictions, with trips to healthcare facilities and transport hubs further afield anticipated.

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‘Spring into Your Best Life’ event

The Oaks Hotel in Killarney will host ‘Spring into Your Best Life’ on April 5, an event organised in association with Breast Cancer Ireland and Irish Country Magazine. The event, […]

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The Oaks Hotel in Killarney will host ‘Spring into Your Best Life’ on April 5, an event organised in association with Breast Cancer Ireland and Irish Country Magazine.

The event, running from 12:30pm to 5:30pm, aims to provide attendees with advice on beauty, wellness, fashion, health, and happiness.
Hosted by Maura Derrane and James Patrice, the event will feature speakers including fashion expert Celia Holman Lee, pharmacist Laura Dowling, wellness expert Oonagh O’Hagan, and fitness coach Orla Hopkins.
Dr. Brian Cotter from Sisu will discuss aesthetics, while Christina Foley will focus on holistic wellbeing. Life coach Ariana Dunne will also speak on personal and professional success.
The event will include a drinks reception, a gourmet lunch, beauty and fashion masterclasses, and shopping opportunities. Attendees can win prizes throughout the day. A special Mother’s Day draw will take place for those attending with their mothers or daughters.
Tickets are available for the event via: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/your-best-life-kerry-fun-style-wellness-giveaways-breast-cancer-ireland-tickets-1021537374787?aff=oddtdtcreator

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KCC Students Receive Social Enterprise Award

Killarney Community College students Cian Walsh, Sophie Ballard, and Ella Whiteley received the Runners Up award for Social Enterprise at the Kerry County Council Annual Student Enterprise Awards. Their business, […]

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Killarney Community College students Cian Walsh, Sophie Ballard, and Ella Whiteley received the Runners Up award for Social Enterprise at the Kerry County Council Annual Student Enterprise Awards.

Their business, ‘Moods & Moments’, was recognised at the county final held at Munster Technology North Campus on Friday last (March 14).
The event saw 20 mini businesses created by secondary school students, focusing on business development, finance, marketing, and business plan presentation. Students operated their mini companies over several months, experiencing real-world entrepreneurship.
Prizes were awarded across Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels.
Tomás Hayes, Head of Local Enterprise Office said: “I am pleased to see the level of innovation, resourcefulness, planning and development of all 20 projects in this year’s awards. This is a real-life exercise. It involves idea generation and actual trading. Profits are generated and finance is secured. It is a taste of business and all the issues involved from finding the right idea, funding the business, collecting the money, and building the team. I must commend the teachers for their efforts and the mentors for their support. The judges had a very difficult task.”

Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography

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