News
Presidential salute for Cathal and Amy
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KERRY native Cathal Griffin was delighted to get the chance to meet President Michael D. Higgins this week. Cathal, from Glenbeigh, was representing Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) together with Amy Purcell, from Newbridge, Co Kildare.
President Higgins, who is a patron of Down Syndrome Ireland, was introduced to Cathal and Amy along with DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.
Both Cathal and Amy attended the event following their input in the organisation’s My Opinion My Vote education programme, which is a two-year course aimed at empowering people with Down syndrome through active citizenship and participation in elections. As part of the course, the two have studied the EU and visited Brussels.
The two are also members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council, a nationally elected body that represents the voice of people with Down syndrome in Ireland.
Cathal said: “I like doing the My Opinion My Vote course. I do the course every Friday at the IT in Tralee. Basically it is all about politics and the politicians in Ireland and in Europe. We learn about political issues like education, employment and justice….things like that. It is good really to know these things.”
Amy added: “I do the My Opinion My Vote course every Monday in Naas. I really love learning about politics in Ireland and in Europe. Meeting politicians is good and the trips to visit the Dáil and the European Parliament in Brussels last year were the best. I understand all about politics now and I definitely say to people it is really important to vote. Ask the questions and make up your own mind.”
President Michael D. Higgins meets Down Syndrome Ireland members Cathal Griffin (Glenbeigh, Co Kerry), Amy Purcell (Newbridge, Co Kildare) and DSI CEO Pat Clarke at the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies lecture on the future of European Union this week.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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