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New mayor outlines his plans for the district

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Cllr Grady has outlined the key issues he wants to be implemented during his 12-moth tenure and the Mayor of the Killarney Municipal District.

"Coming in as the new Cathairleacht, I know that working alone and aloof from the rest will bring just minimalist progress but working together we can achieve great things. Without taking from what might emerge as a collective, it is important to outline what I see as the most important projects to progress,” he said.

Social and Affordable Homes: Addressing the lack of social and affordable homes, noting it has been over two decades since Killarney offered Local Authority Affordable Homes. He highlighted that many young families are above the threshold for social housing but cannot secure mortgages for average homes.
Reduced Planning Restrictions: Seeking reduced restrictions on planning in rural areas to enable young families to build in their native townlands, aiming to counter emigration.

N22 Farranfore Killarney Bypass and Traffic:

Tackling Killarney’s worsening traffic issues, particularly with the N22 Farranfore Killarney Bypass. He noted, "It’s great to see tourist coming in but the people of Killarney can’t move."

Town Amenities:
Increasing amenities, specifically calling for a much-needed community hub for both youth and retirees.
Direen Site Development:

Advocating for the completion of Phase 1 at the Direen Site and the progression of plans for Phase 2.

Áras Phádraig Theatre:
Supporting the construction of a theatre at the Áras Phádraig site.

Pretty Polly Site Development:
Aiming for the Pretty Polly Site to be developed into a Hospitality and Tourism College with campus accommodation.

St. Finian's Hospital Transformation:
Seeking the transformation of St. Finian's Hospital into suitable accommodation, medical, or educational facilities.
Traffic and Parking Issues:
Addressing the worsening traffic and parking issues within the town.

Ambulance Restoration:

Committing to seeking the restoration of Killarney's second ambulance, which was lost 13 years ago.
Cllr Grady also highlighted the Cork/Kerry Cancer Bus.

"I hope for continued support from this Council for the Cork/Kerry Cancer Bus a charity I donate a percentage of my salary to since becoming an elected councilor, I want to commend each and every councilor along with the Director to Finance and Town Manager Angela McAllen for allocating funding each year to this worthy cause."

He stressed the importance of promoting Killarney as a safe tourist destination, recognising the National Park's scenery and the town's upkeep by staff and voluntary groups.

Cllr Grady concluded his acceptance speech by thanking his mother Julia, his late father Donal, his wife Emma, and his three children Amelia, Jack, and Rosie, along with all his family and friends for their ongoing support. 

"During my time as Cathaoirleach I will  wear the chain with honour and respect and commit to be hardworking, fair and treat everyone equal, i look forward to working with fellow councillors, management and staff across all departments of Kerry County Council for the betterment of Killarney Municipal District and most importantly the people we serve,” he said.

 

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Killarney Civic Arts Group to hold first AGM

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Killarney Civic Arts, a new group formed to advance cultural awareness and promote participation in the arts, is inviting the public to its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) this month.

The group, made up of artists and arts workers, aims to share experiences and insights with the community regarding the future and direction of cultural development in Killarney and the wider Munster region.


Killarney Civic Arts invites anyone who cares about shaping creative places in the community to connect with them and share their thoughts and stories.


The first AGM will be held in the Deer-hunter lounge at the Dromhall Hotel, (V93PY80), on Saturday, December 13, at 10.00am. The event offers free entry and is hosted in an accessible room.


For further information, the public may contact Dolores Lyne at 087 263 8720.

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Tree of Light ceremony on Monday

The spectacular 100ft Tree of Light in Killarney, festooned with close on 3,000 lights and topped with a giant star, will again illuminate the town this Christmas with the official […]

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The spectacular 100ft Tree of Light in Killarney, festooned with close on 3,000 lights and topped with a giant star, will again illuminate the town this Christmas with the official switch-on date planned for Monday next, December 8.

The lighting up ceremony will take place after a community Mass in the adjacent St Mary’s Cathedral at 6.15pm and a short prayer service will mark the big switch-on.
The towering Tree of Light is a landmark giant Californian Redwood tree located just outside the main door of the Pugin-designed building.
The project is an collaboration between a sub-committee of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and the Killarney parish and it creates a wonderful focal point in the town in the lead up to and during the festive season.
Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien and Christmas in Killarney Chairman, Cllr Niall Kelleher extend a warm invitation to all community groups, schools, clubs and organisations, families and individuals to attend the special Mass next Monday evening or to visit the tree this Christmastime.
The feature star on the spectacular tree will take on an extra special meaning this year as it will be dedicated to the late Donal Grady, a long-serving local councillor and former Mayor of Killarney who worked diligently and passionately for the community.
Donal, who passed away in 2024, was a dedicated public representative who worked with great passion and a real sense of purpose on behalf of his loyal supporters.
Through his work as a long-serving chief fire officer in Killarney, he helped so many families at a time when they most needed assistance and reassurance and he brought a great sense of calm and responsibility to the position
The Tree of Light was first lit to mark the millennium year when it commemorated all those who lost their lives in the conflict in Northern Ireland and it was again illuminated in the mid-2000s to remember those who had been killed on Irish roads.
Since then the project is all about community and it celebrates the fact that Killarney is such a wonderful town to live in.
In the past, the star at the top of the tree has been dedicated to great community activists Johnny Hickey, Yvonne Quill, Paul Coghlan and Rena Kennelly.

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