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Passport delays need to be resolved quickly: Michael Healy Rae

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Independent Deputy Michael Healy Rae has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to move quickly to help expedite the delay in passports which now sees a backlog of some 200,000 passports.

The Kerry TD, questioning the Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney in the Dáil yesterday (Tuesday), said that he was not critical of the people in the passport office but said they were under severe pressure when it came to the issuing of passports due to the huge numbers of applications.

“Since the 17th March 2022 I have called three times about one [Passport] that is overdue since then and it is with a checker with three weeks, another example is one that is overdue since 4th April 2002. Nothing happening with it. Another one, a family of three children all overdue since the 26th April 2022. I called a number of times about this. They missed their flight and still don’t have passports," he said.

“I’m absolutely, like the same as everyone else, inundated with these queries. We have to do better than we are doing at present. If there is almost 200,000 people waiting, we need to do better in meeting that demand and not cause more stress to people who are doing their best.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs insisted there is no backlog in processing passports and have blamed forms being filled out incorrectly, as almost 200,000 people wait for their delayed travel documents ahead of the holiday season.

A record 1.4 million passport applications are expected this year and many first time applicants are reporting long delays with many unable to get passports ahead of their holidays.

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Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service

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Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service


Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.


Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.

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Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule

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Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule


Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.


The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.

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