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New Tomies car park exceeding capacity

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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.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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