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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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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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