News
People now living in fear
By Sean Moriarty
People are living in fear as a result of a large number of males acting aggressively in Killarney town.
RESPECT: Cllr Donal Grady says the new arrivals are not respecting Killarney town.
RESPECT: Cllr Donal Grady says the new arrivals are not respecting Killarney town.
A video was widely shared on social media showing women being harassed by a group of men - believed to be asylum seekers - who were also engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on College Square in recent days.
According to the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration, and Youth there are almost 600 International Protection applicants (asylum seekers) living in various accommodation centres in Killarney.
Outside of Dublin, county Kerry has the highest number of refugees and asylum seekers nationally which currently stands at 4,708.
The town has hosted International Protection seekers for the best part of 20 years but that has increased dramatically in recent weeks due to the Government's commitment to house an uncapped number of refugees.
There was widespread controversy last month when Ukrainian families were given 48 hours’ notice to leave a hotel to make way for hundreds of male asylum seekers.
After a public outcry, the decision to move the Ukrainian families was reversed.
However, it has since transpired that the 217 male asylum seekers were also taken into a hotel in town, as well as 100 women and children.
“Nowhere else would take the asylum seekers, no one,” Mayor Niall Kelleher told this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting.
Since the arrival of the most recent group of International Protection seekers locals have expressed their concerns for their own safety.
Several readers have contacted the Killarney Advertiser outlining their concerns while several more have been in touch with their local councillors.
“They [the new arrivals] are the ones causing all the trouble. They are not respecting our town. There are people afraid to walk down the Park Road,” Cllr Donal Grady told the Killarney Advertiser.
“I know for a fact that there are people actually afraid to walk the streets or walk down along the road. I’m not being dramatic. I’m telling you the truth,” Cllr Marie Moloney told this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting.
News
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international […]
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.
Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event.
Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.
Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.
Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that “creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism”.
“Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery,” he said.
News
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and […]
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday).
The project, which was supported with €605,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Local Authority Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme, provides an attractive outdoor dining option for locals and visitors to Killarney.
“This is a really wonderful addition to Killarney’s tourism infrastructure and will prove a great asset throughout the year and particularly during the forthcoming tourist season,” said Cllr Kelleher, Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, who did the honours.
“One of the effects of the recent pandemic was the need to utilise and maximise outdoor dining options and this infrastructure shows what can be achieved in an imaginative way. It will greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a destination for top quality tourism experiences.”
The project has been operational since last October but the official opening was timed to coincide with the Meitheal 2023 tourism industry showcase that was organised by Fáilte Ireland at the INEC this week.
“It is fantastic to see Killarney’s outdoor dining infrastructure being so well received by trade and visitors alike,” Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said.
Councillors in the Killarney Municipal District approved planning permission for the infrastructure which was completed by Daniel Canty Construction.
Strong connections made at tourism tradeshow
Many significant business deals were signed at this year’s Meitheal – Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry. Held...
Outdoor dining area officially opens in town
A new outdoor dining space at Kenmare Place was officially opened today (Wednesday). The project, which was supported with €605,000 in...
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