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New tractor licencing laws will effect construction industry staff

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Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae  has strongly criticised the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the government for causing chaos in the construction industry and the house-building sector.

A recent change in licensing requirements for driving tractors within the construction industry and house-building sector has sparked outrage among industry professionals. Michael Healy-Rae described the move as "sneaky" and emphasised that it had been implemented without any consultation with the affected industry.

Under the new regulations, individuals driving tractors in construction or house-building contexts are now required to possess a lorry license and undergo CPC, effectively imposing unnecessary burdens on workers. Highlighting the practical implications of the new regulations, Michael Healy-Rae pointed out the shortage of truck drivers in Ireland and the unsuitability of lorries for certain tasks within construction sites.

He expressed concerns about the impact on essential operations such as transporting materials within sites and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as watering down sites during dry periods.

Deputy Healy-Rae warned that the new regulations “could lead to widespread redundancies, estimating potential job losses of up to 3000 to 4000 people.

“Moreover, the move threatens to bring the housing sector, road projects, and civil works across the country to a standstill, severely hampering progress, and development. I would question the legislative basis for such a move,” he said.

“Additionally, the implications for council staff, including those operating tractors with trailers or hedge cutters, as well as park keepers, who will face similar challenges if the regulations continue unchecked. It will also have a knock-on effect on the utility sector.”

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Centenary exhibition to chart early years of Fianna Fáil in Kerry

. The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933. The exhibition details how […]

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The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933.

The exhibition details how the party established itself in a county where Civil War divisions were particularly deep-seated. It covers the transition of local figures from revolutionary activities to parliamentary politics and the intense election battles of the late 1920s. Visitors will be able to view documents and archives that illustrate how the party built its organisation across South Kerry in its first decade.

As part of the event, local historian and author Dr. Owen O’Shea will give a public lecture at the library on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. His talk will focus on the foundation of the party and the “bullets to ballots” transition in Kerry politics. The exhibition is free to attend and will be open during the library’s scheduled operating hours throughout the month of March.
The project is the result of extensive research funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The grant was awarded under the Commemorations Bursary Scheme for 2025-2026 and managed by the Royal Irish Academy. This scheme supports local research that helps the public better understand the political and social evolution of Ireland following the Civil War.

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St Brendan’s College travel to London

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5th year students from St Brendan’s College went to London on their English school trip.

They enjoyed a production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Prince of Wales theatre.

The following morning was spent touring Tate Modern before attending a tour and a brilliant interactive workshop in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre focusing on their Leaving Certificate single text “Othello”.

The focus of the workshop centred on the performative elements of the play in relation to themes and character development. 

All students performed with great theatrical verve. 

A brilliant experience for all before attending an acclaimed production of the play in the Theatre Royal.

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