News
Rough sleeper concerns in town centre – Cllr Donal Grady
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Exclusive
By Sean Moriarty
Killarney traders are growing concerned at the increasing number of homeless people sleeping rough in the town centre.
They say there is a growing number of “professional” rough sleepers after appearing in the town centre in recent weeks and traders say these people “are following the crowds” as a result of a lack of footfall in larger cities and the increased demand for staycation style holidays.
The traders feel Killarney’s good name as a tourist destination is at risk unless something is done about it.
Local business sources have told the Killarney Advertiser that the problem is particularly bad in the College Square area and that several people are sleeping every night in the archway that leads off Plunkett St to Glebe Lane.
Cllr Donal Grady raised the issue at yesterday’s (Thursday) Killarney Municipal District meeting.
“Beggars have come in,” he told the meeting. “Plunkett St is a disgrace.”
Killarney Gardai said the public needs to be aware of what is legal and illegal but that they will investigate anti-social behaviour or other criminal acts.
“It is not an offence to be homeless,” Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “Begging, in certain circumstances, is not illegal either. It is illegal near ATM machines and shopfronts, but the public need to be aware what is legal and illegal. We will investigate anti-social behaviour but homelessness is not a policing issue – it is a matter for other agencies. The numbers are very small compared to other urban centres.”
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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