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“Our daughters deserve better”

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MORE ACTION: Hazel Norris, Chairperson of the Parents' Council at St Brigid's Secondary School is calling for more action to improve the school's facilities. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

 

Parents call for action at St Brigid’s Secondary School

 

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By Sean Moriarty

 

Parents at one Killarney school outraged at outdated prefabs and insufficient and overcrowded classrooms – including the collapse of roofs on two older prefabs last September - are demanding immediate action from the new Government.

The Parent's Council of St Brigid’s Secondary School say due to consistent rising numbers of students year on year – from 413 students in 2013 to 634 for the current academic year – want a promise that new facilities will be built.

In November 2015 the Minister for Education and Skills announced the list of Major School Building Projects. St Brigid’s was listed under the 2019-2021 phase - but so far no action has been taken.

They say some of the classrooms are not fit for purpose. There are also a number of concerns including the lack of outdoor sports facilities at the school, the reduction of the number of permanent classrooms due to size and a 2017 Department of Education and Skills directive to combine four classrooms into a new science lab and art room.

The classrooms were replaced by 12 new prefabs but the land on which they are situated is rented off the Presentation Sisters.

“We have been allocated two new prefabs but it is not good enough,” Hazel Norris, Chairperson of the Parents’ Council told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “The Presentation Sisters have been outstanding in their support, they have offered land to build a new school. We will be calling on all newly elected members to meet us on this matter. We are waiting far too long and our daughters deserve better.”

 

 

 

 

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Killarney sweeps county selections in national carvery awards

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Killarney has taken seven of the nine Kerry spots named as “Knorr Recommended Roast 2026” venues.

The nationwide programme, now in its third year, evaluates pubs and hotels through independent mystery diners to check carvery and roast dinner quality across the country.

Venues across Munster performed above the national average, with a combined score of 81.5% compared to the country-wide average of 80.5%.


The seven Killarney and surrounding area locations making the list include Hannigan’s at the International Hotel, the Killarney Court Hotel, and the Mill Brasserie at the Killarney Heights Hotel.

The Kerry Way Bar & Restaurant in Glenflesk also earned a recommendation, alongside the Killarney Oaks Hotel.


Two local establishments made the list for the first time this year, with the Kenmare Rooms at the Killarney Avenue Hotel and Scott’s Hotel both listed as new entries for 2026.

The remaining two county spots went to Tralee-based venues, namely the Brogue Inn on Rock Street and Gally’s on the Castlemaine Road.

To achieve inclusion in the 148 venues selected across Ireland, each establishment had to demonstrate consistent quality, portion standard, and execution in their daily roast offerings.

Jim Reeves, Customer Director Ireland at Unilever Food Solutions, noted that the results show an exceptional standard of local food and hospitality, stating that each selected venue has a long-standing reputation for serving top-notch carvery dishes.

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Resurfacing works announced for key sections of N22

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A programme of resurfacing works has been confirmed for several key sections of the N22 in and around Killarney.

The investment will involve replacing the road wearing course under the HD28 road maintenance programme to address areas impacted by high traffic volumes.

The project was confirmed at the June full meeting of Kerry County Council and covers four specific locations along the route.

Works will take place on the N22 from the Killarney Leisure Centre through the SuperValu Roundabout to the Coolcaslagh Junction, including the Lissyviggeen Roundabout.

Upgrades are also scheduled for the N22 Killarney Bypass from east of the Kilcummin Junction to the north of the Cleeny Roundabout.

Additionally, resurfacing will be carried out at Madams Hill from the Viewing Park to the north of BG Motors, as well as another section of the N22 running from approximately 1.8 kilometres south of Lawlor’s Cross up to the cross itself.

The works are currently out to tender, with responses expected back shortly. Construction is anticipated to begin in July, with the majority of the resurfacing scheduled to take place at night to minimise disruption for motorists.

The allocation has been welcomed by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD and Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae, who noted the importance of the corridor for commuters, tourism, and local businesses.


Deputy Michael Healy-Rae stated that the N22 is one of the most important transport corridors in Kerry and carries thousands of vehicles every day.

He added that maintaining and improving the condition of the road network is vital for road safety, tourism, local businesses, and commuters, while acknowledging Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kerry County Council for prioritising the funding.

Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae added that well-maintained infrastructure is a basic expectation for residents and visitors alike.

He said that while road maintenance may not always grab headlines, it is one of the most important investments that can be made to improve driving conditions for residents, visitors, and businesses.

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