News
Pipe networks “no longer fit for purpose”
A Kerry councillor has warned that ongoing water problems are about to get even worse if not immediately dealt with.
At Monday's monthly meeting of Kerry County Council, Councillor Michael Cahill said that the residents of Beaufort and surrounding parishes had endured enough pain and were continuously deprived of a most basic human requirement.
He said that Irish Water were not fit for purpose, and unless confirmation of funding is received this week and a specific timeframe for the carrying out of the pipe laying works and a commitment that the road network is reinstated afterwards, that the Board of Irish Water should resign.
Having consistently raised the problems with the ongoing interrupted water supply in the greater Beaufort area, which is already having a knock on effect on the Listry and Faha areas, the effects are about to be felt wider afield in Barleymount, Aghadoe, Ballyhar, Firies and Milltown, he warned.
“Reservoirs are drying up already, and summer hasn’t yet started," he said.
"This will exacerbate an already disastrous situation over a wide area where pipe networks are no longer fit for purpose and urgently require to be replaced. The health of all our people is being put at risk and we will not accept that kind of treatment."
He said he believes that the entire pipe network has to be replaced from scratch, which will be "an enormous undertaking”.
“The current situation cannot be allowed to continue, or in fact deteriorate further, as appears to be happening in Beaufort. Tough decisions need to be made, funds must be sourced and action is required now. It is only fair that I acknowledge the great work carried out by Kerry County Council staff in Water Services who attend to these water breaks at all hours and are doing their very best to provide water to the community without any support or assistance from Irish Water."
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
€1m EuroMillions win still unclaimed at Centra The Reeks
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National...
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
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