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Protest planned as community lashes out at lack of consultation on asylum seeker plan

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JUST days ahead of the confirmation that Linden House would be used as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers, Kerry County Council member Donal Grady had called for the property to open its doors to homeless people in Killarney.

Speaking to Killarney Advertiser, the former mayor of Killarney said: “The council should open up Linden House on New Road to homeless people and not send these people to Tralee. We should look after our own first. There are at least 25 homeless people in Killarney at the moment and people who are homeless in this town continue to be sent to Tralee for accommodation. We are miles behind other counties when it comes to catering for homeless people.”

Cllr Grady is now planning a protest at the former hotel on New Road, next week. “We have fulfilled our duty in Killarney, re asylum seekers,” he said.

Referring to the fact that the road features four schools, Cllr Grady said a number of parents had been in touch with him in relation to the protest and added: “This proposal by whom is not known as yet is where our children and grandchildren are going to school.”

Linden House, he added, was a property “lying idle”. “Shame on us for not doing something,” he said. “People are sleeping rough or are being sent to Tralee.”

The use of the former hotel in Killarney to house 55 asylum seekers has sparked concerns at a lack of consultation.

The Department of Justice has confirmed Linden House, which was formerly used as a direct provision centre, has been refurbished and will become home to people currently in the asylum and refugee process.

It declined to comment on the breakdown of age, gender or country of origin of those that will be accommodated in Killarney.

Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said he believed the group of 55 comprises “all males of mixed nationality who have made applications for international protection”.

He told Killarney Advertiser: “I believe the local authority and local community should have been consulted on this important matter as to who these people are, where they are coming from and what is the expected plan for long term housing, as it seems like a large concentration of people in the one location. I share the concerns of the people who have been in contact with me about this matter."

Deputy Healy-Rae added: "As these people will only be housed in temporary accommodation, I believe that a number of these people may seek social housing in time, which would be only putting increased pressure on an already large waiting list for housing in Killarney and Kerry."

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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