News
New Tomies car park exceeding capacity
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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
Dancing classes set to unite communities
By Michelle Crean There’s no language barrier when it comes to dancing – which is why one local group is organising classes to unite communities. KASI, the Killarney Immigrant Support […]
By Michelle Crean
There’s no language barrier when it comes to dancing – which is why one local group is organising classes to unite communities.
KASI, the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre, has teamed up with dance instructor John Moriarty to teach both Ukrainians and multiple cultures living in Kerry Irish set dancing steps from next week.
The first class will take place on Tuesday evenings, starting next week (September 27) at St Mary’s Parish Hall at 6.30pm and all are welcome to join.
The idea is to help Ukrainians living in Killarney and Kerry to come and have fun and get to know locals better, KASI coordinator, Marilyn Catapat-Counihan, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.
“We have a women’s group for all ages where we do crochet, sewing and art and crafts, where they can talk which is good. I had the music on and they were dancing. I asked if they would like to do dancing classes so I organised it with John Moriarty who is well known in Killarney.”
She added that the women are very excited to learn set dancing and get to know other people from the area.
“Sometimes when you meet new people the language can be a barrier and when you’re dancing everybody is moving. He will open it to everyone so there’ll be integration, it’s fun as well. They are all very excited.”
To find out more contact John on 086 1579381.
News
Multiple Sclerosis Walk celebrates 20 years
By Sean Moriarty The rising cost of fuel is already having a negative effect on charity events with some limiting numbers. On October 9, the annual Multiple Sclerosis South Kerryv Walk […]
By Sean Moriarty
The rising cost of fuel is already having a negative effect on charity events with some limiting numbers.
On October 9, the annual Multiple Sclerosis South Kerryv Walk takes place over the Old Kenmare Road.
First run in 2002, this year’s event will celebrate 20 years since its foundation but two years were lost as a result of the pandemic.
This year’s walk will be limited to 150 people – three coach loads – so event organisers can cut back on running costs.
It will only be possible to participate in this year’s event if walkers pre-register.
“Walkers must raise at least €40 to make it worthwhile,” organiser John O’Shea told the Killarney Advertiser.
“Spaces are limited, 150 people equals three coaches and we need smaller coaches to get into the start of the Old Kenmare Road as that is just a bog road. We have limited numbers for cost and operational reasons.”
Mr O’Shea thanked event sponsors O’Callaghan Coaches and The Gleneagle Hotel for their support of the event.
Registration forms can be obtained by calling John on 087 2348824.
Dancing classes set to unite communities
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