News
New Tomies car park exceeding capacity
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
The new car parking facilities at Killarney’s latest tourism attraction at Tomies Wood does not have the capacity to cope with its popularity. That is according to Mayor of Killarney Brendan Cronin who is calling on the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) to join forces with Kerry County Council to solve potential traffic management issues at the amenity before the anticipated summer rush.
The Tomies Wood car park and walkway to the O’Sullivan Cascade’s Waterfall was officially opened to much fanfare last December.
Access to an area that was once described as “Killarney’s Hidden Gem” has opened the beauty spot to more locals and visitors.
However, the parkland walkway is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success unless action is taken now to prevent major traffic congestion in the area – something that is expected to increase once the current 5k pandemic restrictions are lifted and a projected increase in staycations this summer.
The new car park has a capacity for around 25 to 30 cars but at peak time, especially at the weekends, the car parks become full and visitors start parking on the public roadway.
This has caused access problems for local residents and Cllr Cronin fears that it will someday lead to access problems for emergency vehicles.
He will contribute around €5,000 from his personal annual councillor funding allocation to be put towards access solutions on the public road. Kerry County Council will transfer around €200,000 from another road project that cannot be completed this year towards roadside drainage and access issues.
Cllr Cronin, who has been a long-time supporter of the project, will now write to the NPWS, asking them to play their part in the continued success of the walkway but without an inconvenience to local residents.
“One simple solution is to trunk the side of the road that leads from the entrance to the car park. This would account for another 20 or so cars. The problem is that the car park’s capacity does not fit with the area’s popularity and people start parking in an irresponsible manner. The day an ambulance or a fire engine cannot get in – it will be too late then,” Cllr Cronin told the Killarney Advertiser.
He also pointed out that he very much welcomes the new facility and that it is a welcome addition to Killarney’s tourism package.
News
Hike up Strickeen Mountain for air ambulance
Locals and visitors are being invited to join a guided ascent of Strickeen Mountain on July 4 to raise funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance. The hike, described as an easy to moderate climb and family friendly well be led by Killarney-based Irish Community Air Ambulance volunteer and tour guide Krzysztof Szwab. It […]
Locals and visitors are being invited to join a guided ascent of Strickeen Mountain on July 4 to raise funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance.
The hike, described as an easy to moderate climb and family friendly well be led by Killarney-based Irish Community Air Ambulance volunteer and tour guide Krzysztof Szwab.
It is expected that the 7.5km hike will take around three hours to complete and participants will benefit from the expertise of Krzysztof for a minimum donation €10 per person or €20 per family.
Strickeen Mountain is the eastern most peak of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the hike will start from the Gap of Dunloe at 11am on the day.
As an added bonus fruit and water, donated by local supermarkets including Lidl, Aldi and Daly’s SuperValu, will be provided. The first 20 to register will receive a limited edition Irish Community Air Ambulance face covering snood.
“This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has never climbed this mountain, but wants to do it with the help of an experienced guide,” Donie Lucey, who is one of the Irish Community Air Ambulance’s chief fundraisers, said.
Further details are available from Donie on 086 854 5873 or from Krzysztof on 087 7589697 after 6pm.
News
Golf club launches Summer Series competition
By Sean Moriarty Competitive golfing has resumed at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club marking another step towards normality in the locality. The O’Mahony’s Point course hosted an open singles event on Monday last and this competition will continue every Monday for the rest of the summer. Meanwhile the club’s ‘TaylorMade’ Summer Series gets underway at […]
By Sean Moriarty
Competitive golfing has resumed at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club marking another step towards normality in the locality.
The O’Mahony’s Point course hosted an open singles event on Monday last and this competition will continue every Monday for the rest of the summer.
Meanwhile the club’s ‘TaylorMade’ Summer Series gets underway at the famed Killeen course this coming Wednesday (June 23). This series will continue every Wednesday for eight weeks and top five scorers on each date will qualify for a Grand Final which is scheduled for Sunday, August 22.
“We are delighted to launch the ‘TaylorMade’ Summer Series. This is a singles stableford event taking place on the Irish Open course, Killeen,” said the club’s marketing manager Meg Dalton. “With over €8,000 worth of prizes to be won, this is an event not to be missed. The first opportunity to qualify for the grand final is Wednesday.”
News
Investigation continues into New St fire
Killarney Gardai are continuing their investigation into the cause of a fire on New Street last week. The fire broke out at the Eviston House Hotel in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (June 7). It started in a room just off the kitchen on the first floor and spread along the venting […]
Killarney Gardai are continuing their investigation into the cause of a fire on New Street last week.
The fire broke out at the Eviston House Hotel in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (June 7).
It started in a room just off the kitchen on the first floor and spread along the venting and ducting on the first, second and third floors. There was heavy smoke throughout the hotel but all guests were evacuated safely.
The landmark hotel, which also houses the famous Danny Mann pub, has not yet reopened, and local Gardai are still investigating its cause.
“The investigation is ongoing,” a Killarney Gardai Station spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser. “We are establishing the full facts in relation to the fire.”
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