News
Áras Phádraig masterplan approved
Plans for the redevelopment of Áras Phádraig on Lewis Road, were given the go ahead by elected councillors this week.
However, some had reservations about the inclusion of a HSE Primary Care Unit within the project.
Plans for the site, which has been idle since the Franciscan Friars donated it to the people of Killarney in 2009, were approved by elected members at Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal District Meeting.
Councillors were told that the inclusion of the Primary Care Unit was a redline issue as without it funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund would not be forthcoming for the entire project.
This did not sit well with elected councillors. Many felt that the HSE had enough of land lying idle within the town already. St Finan’s was given as an example.
They even sought to delay voting on accepting the masterplan put forward by Kerry County Council on Wednesday to allow more time to discuss issues with the HSE.
“If we don’t proceed with the primary care centre, this project won’t proceed, it is an intricate part of the funding,” John Doyle, a senior engineer with Kerry County Council told the meeting. “It is important that we adopt this plan.”
Additional plans include a theatre, an outdoor public plaza, office space, and a 392-space car park.
The project is being funded by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund for Killarney which was announced in March last year. A total of €21 million has been set aside for the regeneration of the town centre of which Kerry County Council is providing €5.5m.
There remains a faint hope that a multi-storey car will be included in future plans at Áras Phádraig but as of Wednesday there is no funding available for this element of the project.
Official documentation, circulated at the meeting and seen by the Killarney Advertiser, said: “However, given the overall objective to provide the multi-storey car park in Killarney, the masterplan includes provision for this multi-storey car park as an objective to be pursued.”
Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series
Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and activities taking place across the town from September through December.
The initiative sees the community committee team up with local Champion Organisations to offer inclusive, adapted sessions for children, teenagers, and adults.
Funding from Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund supports the upcoming autumn and winter programme.
The series begins on Saturday, September 19, with an outdoor rock climbing day in the Gap of Dunloe organised alongside Roam Wild. The session offers dedicated teen and adult climbing slots designed to build confidence in a supportive setting.
In October, West End House will host a three-week series of inclusive classes on October 7, 14, and 21. Separate hourly sessions will run for teenagers aged 13 to 17, children aged 9 to 12, and adults aged 18 and over, with capacity capped at 10 participants per group.
The programme continues in November with creative art sessions at The Art House, before joining the wider Christmas in Killarney celebrations in December.
During the festive season, Autism Friendly Killarney will provide sensory and quiet spaces at the annual Christmas parades to assist attendees who find large crowds and noise challenging.
Organisers confirmed that further community partnerships are currently being planned for early next year.
Booking details for all events are managed directly through the individual partner venues, with places allocated on a first-come basis. Further information on upcoming sessions is available via the Autism Friendly Killarney website and social media channels.
Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series
Autism Friendly Killarney launches seasonal event series Autism Friendly Killarney has announced a new series of free social events and...
Gaza monologues production coming to Gleneagle Club
A theatrical production bringing personal accounts from Gaza to local audiences will take place at The Gleneagle Club in Killarney...
Ireland’s first solar race car to be driven by local student
Ireland’s first solar race car to be driven by local student A team of Dublin City University (DCU) engineering and...
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney A weekly serial by Killarney Advertiser’s Jess Jukes
Felicity’s Summer in Killarney A weekly serial by Killarney Advertiser’s Jess Jukes Week 12Auntie Sheila narrowed her eyes as soon...
Big horseshoes to fill at Muckross Traditional Farms
Big horseshoes to fill at Muckross Traditional Farms Muckross Traditional Farms has welcomed two new members to its working team...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
