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Roadworks bring increased school traffic fears

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There were remarkable scenes in Killarney on Wednesday morning as roadworks caused huge traffic backlogs all over town. The works on the Port Road meant there was a stop/go system in place which caused major delays as students, parents and teachers from the five schools in the immediate vicinity struggled to negotiate the heavy traffic.

The New Road, Hans Liebherr Road, Rock Road and even the bypass also all suffered significant tailbacks.

With the works scheduled to take 8-10 weeks there were fears of an extended period of chaos but the council acted quickly to put a solution in place.

Mayor Niall Kelleher explained that the Ballydowney roundabout was a major source of the congestion so on Friday traffic was allowed to flow at that particular spot, which in turn alleviated the pressure on the Hans Liebherr Road and out towards Fossa.

The contrast on Thursday morning couldn’t have been starker. In fact, many observers noted that if anything, traffic in the area seemed to be lighter than a normal school day

Whether or not the solution will continue to work as the works move along the Port Road remains to be seen. There are fears that upcoming weddings and confirmations at the adjoining St Mary’s Cathedral could pose further difficulties.

There were also concerns from local school officials about the lack of communication from the council.

“We’re aware that the works being carried out are important and really there is no good time for road works in Killarney as it’s busy all year round,” said Colm O’Súilleabháin, Principal of the Presentation Monastery National School.

“However, if we had been forewarned about the works we would have been able to notify the parents and the teachers and people would not have gotten such a shock on Wednesday.”

Ursula Coffey, Principal of the Holy Cross Mercy School, said it was a pity that a more appropriate time wasn’t chosen.

“I appreciate that Killarney, as tourist town, doesn't allow much scope for the timetabling of roadworks,” she added. “Traffic congestion is already an issue in this area of town where there are five large schools and a one-way traffic system in operation morning and evening. The current road works exacerbates an existing traffic problem.”

It’s often a case of Catch 22 for the council when attempting to choose the right time to improve local infrastructure. Should they carry out work in the busy summer months and potentially harm the tourist industry, or should they do it in the off-season when the schools are in session, and inconvenience locals in the process?

With regards to the ongoing school traffic issue, a couple of suggestions have been floated. One potential solution is to stagger start times of schools and businesses, which would decrease traffic in and around the 9am mark.

Another idea is putting in place a ‘park and ride’ system whereby students would be dropped off at a point further away from the New Road area and brought to school on buses.

What are your thoughts on the issue? Are the council right to do roadworks at this time of year? Is there any way of solving Killarney’s traffic problem? Let us know:

newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie

064 66 32215

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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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