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Public consultation for Gap of Dunloe

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Kerry County Council (KCC) is undertaking a broad public consultation over the coming months to seek the observations, views and suggestions of members of the public and stakeholders about how the Gap of Dunloe area should be managed into the future from many perspectives including tourism, transport, access and the environment.

Congestion and delays during the tourist season on the road through the Gap of Dunloe is being experienced more frequently in recent years by both visiting and local road users. This is leading to a diminution of the experience for some visitors and is also making it more challenging for residents in the locality. The views of the public are being sought on these and all relevant issues.

The Council recognises the need to develop a sustainable approach to managing the Gap of Dunloe into the future as it is an iconic and internationally recognised feature of the Kerry landscape and is a significant attraction for visitors from around Ireland and around the world. It is one of the finest examples of a glaciated valley in Western Europe and is world renowned for its scenery. The Gap of Dunloe is an environmentally sensitive area and is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), being part of the Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC. It is important therefore that the Gap of Dunloe is treated sensitively, protected and carefully managed.

The number of visitors to the area has been increasing in recent years and this included the summer of 2020 when the Gap of Dunloe was enjoyed by significant numbers of domestic visitors. The public road is the principal access to a distinct local community in the Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley and accommodates a range of normal commercial traffic serving that community.

This public consultation includes a publicity campaign, notification to the relevant state agencies, and engagement with community and business stakeholders and a letter drop locally. Observations and submissions can be made in writing and marked ‘Gap of Dunloe Public Consultation’, Administrative Officer, Kerry County Council, Roads, Transportation and Marine, Room 115, Áras an Chontae, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry or by email to: roads@kerrycoco.ie. The closing date for the receipt of submissions is January 29, 2021.

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Book of Condolences for Pope Francis at Cathedral

  A Book of Condolences has been opened at St Mary’s Cathedral for those wishing to pay their respects following the death of Pope Francis. The Pope, who led the […]

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A Book of Condolences has been opened at St Mary’s Cathedral for those wishing to pay their respects following the death of Pope Francis.

The Pope, who led the Catholic Church for twelve years, died on Monday at the age of 88.

He had been suffering from double pneumonia in recent weeks, but his death still came as a shock to many. Just hours before his passing, he had been seen greeting crowds in St Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations.

Locally, Bishop Ray Browne has led the tributes. He described Pope Francis as “a gentle shepherd” who brought humility and compassion to his role.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis,” Bishop Browne said. “From the moment he chose the name Francis, rooted in humility, he signalled a papacy of building peace, care for the poor, and love for all of God’s creation.”

The bishop also highlighted the Pope’s focus on protecting the planet and caring for the marginalised, calling him “a voice for the voiceless” and “a witness to the Gospel in word and deed.”

A special Mass in memory of Pope Francis was held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

The Pope’s funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 10.00am in St Peter’s Square. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by church leaders from around the world.

Due to the Pope’s passing, the special Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was due to take place this Sunday has been cancelled.

Mass will still take place at the usual time of 11.30am. A new date for the celebration will be announced in due course.

Blessed Carlo Acutis was due to be officially declared a saint in Rome on Sunda but that has been postponed.

Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to St Francis of Assisi, and his final resting place is in Assisi, near the tombs of St Francis and St Clare.

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Con O’Leary: Killarney loses a vibrant and popular personality

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has led the tributes to the late Con O’Leary, an extremely popular and very successful businessman in the town, who passed away in the […]

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has led the tributes to the late Con O’Leary, an extremely popular and very successful businessman in the town, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday.

Con was a vibrant and popular personality in Killarney where he operated The Laurels on Main Street, a thriving bar and restaurant, which he inherited following the passing of his father, Thado.
The business organisation said from a social perspective, The Laurels became the beating heart of the town and it was a landmark at the Market Cross in the same way as Clery’s clock was in the capital city.
Chamber said Con’s passing really marks the end of an era as he was one of a golden age of inspirational local business people who developed and built Killarney, through hard work, bravery and great commercial flair, and helped create the wonderful tourist attraction and holiday destination it is today.
“Con was very proud of Killarney and he played a very active part in progressing the town at many levels.
“He was a man that was never short of great ideas and his contribution to the business life of the town and as a director of Killarney Race Company was immense,” Chamber said.
“He was ahead of his time in many respects with the introduction by what became known as “the singing lounge” many years ago and The Laurels always led by example through its successes in the annual Killarney Looking Good competition”.
The business representative organisation noted that the O’Leary family has always been very supporting of the town and Con’s daughter, Kate, was a very dynamic Chamber President and is still a very valued member of the executive.
Chamber expressed deep sympathy to Con’s wife, Anne, children Kate, Niall, Tara and Lorna, sons-in-law, grandchildren, sisters, relatives and friends as well as the dedicated staff in The Laurels, past and present, who Con always had great time for and a great rapport with.

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