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No vaccine date for Direct Provision Centres

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By Sean Moriarty

The Health and Safety Executive cannot give an exact timeframe on the vaccine rollout in Direct Provision Centres. Last week, the Killarney Advertiser revealed that up 25 people at the Atlas House Direct Provision Centre on Park Road, were infected by COVID-19.

 

Currently the vaccination rollout follows a specific sequence, it has commenced with residents and staff in residential care settings for older people and frontline healthcare workers.

It then moves to community settings and will be rolled out on an age-related basis throughout the country, with the support of GPs and pharmacists.

However, there is no provision to include residents of Direct Provision Centres and asylum seekers the opportunity to be vaccinated despite living in high-risk environments.

Cllr Michael Gleeson wrote to the HSE seeking clarity on the matter. He said he was disappointed with the response.

“I am disappointed that no definite time schedule has been determined for these locations where large numbers live in close proximity and where the danger of disease transmission is very real. I would have thought that we would have learned from the nursing homes debacle,” Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser.

There are three such Direct Provision Centres in Killarney, two on Park Road and one on New Road.

“Presently the HSE is involved in quite a significant logistical operation of rolling it out across residential settings, public and private and have commenced giving the second dose in these settings, by a mobile team of clinicians,” said a HSE statement seen by the Killarney Advertiser. “I know I haven’t been able to give you an exact timeframe [for DP centres], but you will appreciate in the above context that we are dependent on some national information to finalise our local plans.”

Since the HSE started vaccinating residential centres in the first week of January, they have vaccinated over 11,000 people in Cork and Kerry at well over one hundred centres.

“I am sure you will agree it is a testament to our local clinical staff who are normally employed in other areas and who willingly turn their attention to this task while we are experiencing a significant wave of COVID-19 positive cases across the community and in these centres, throughout this exercise,” added the HSE statement.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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